Data processing systems for generating and populating a data inventory

ABSTRACT

In particular embodiments, a data processing data inventory generation system is configured to: (1) generate a data model (e.g., a data inventory) for one or more data assets utilized by a particular organization; (2) generate a respective data inventory for each of the one or more data assets; and (3) map one or more relationships between one or more aspects of the data inventory, the one or more data assets, etc. within the data model. In particular embodiments, a data asset (e.g., data system, software application, etc.) may include, for example, any entity that collects, processes, contains, and/or transfers personal data (e.g., such as a software application, “internet of things” computerized device, database, website, data-center, server, etc.). For example, a first data asset may include any software or device (e.g., server or servers) utilized by a particular entity for such data collection, processing, transfer, storage, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/222,556, filed Apr. 5, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/404,491, filed May 6, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,970,675, issued Apr. 6, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/041,563, filed Jul. 20, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,282,700, issued May 7, 2019, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/537,839, filed Jul. 27, 2017, and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/883,041, filed Jan. 29, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,158,676, issued Dec. 18, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/671,073, filed Aug. 7, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,882,935, issued Jan. 30, 2018, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/254,901, filed Sep. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,729,583, issued Aug. 8, 2017, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/348,695, filed Jun. 10, 2016; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/353,802, filed Jun. 23, 2016; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/360,123, filed Jul. 8, 2016. The disclosures of all of the above patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Over the past years, privacy and security policies, and related operations have become increasingly important. Breaches of data networks used in handling personal data, leading to the unauthorized access of the personal data (which may include sensitive personal data), have become more frequent among companies and other organizations of all sizes. Such personal data may include, but is not limited to, personally identifiable information (PII), which may be information that directly (or indirectly) identifies an individual or entity. Examples of PII include names, addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, and biometric identifiers such as a person's fingerprints or picture. Other personal data may include, for example, customers' Internet browsing habits, purchase history, or even their preferences (e.g., likes and dislikes, as provided or obtained through social media).

Many organizations that obtain, use, and transfer personal data, including sensitive personal data, have begun to implement measures to combat breaches of their data networks. For example, many organizations have attempted to implement data controls within their data networks to ensure they are handling personal within the data networks in a secure manner. However, a technical challenge that is often encountered in implementing such data controls is identifying where in the data networks such controls should be implemented. This is because often these data networks are comprised of a significant number of components and/or processing activities that may involve the personal data. As a result, an organization may have significant difficultly in identify the flow of the personal data through a data network and the various components and/or processing activities involved in the data flow. This can further result into the company not recognizing and/or identifying the appropriate data controls that need to be implemented for the data network and the corresponding components and processing activities in which the data controls should be implemented.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for improved systems, methods, and tools for identifying and representing data flows of specific types of data (e.g., personal data) through a data network. Accordingly, such improved systems, methods, and tools can assist an organization in ensuring proper data controls are in place for a data network to minimize the risk of data breaches.

SUMMARY

In general, various embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatuses, systems, computing devices, computing entities, and/or the like for generating and/or populating a data inventory. In accordance with various embodiments, a method is provided. According, the method comprises: identifying a first data asset found in a data network involved in handling a certain data; generating a first data inventory for the first data asset, the first data inventory comprising a first plurality of attributes; identifying a second data asset found in the data network involved in handling the certain data; generating a second data inventory for the second data asset, the second data inventory comprising a second plurality of attributes; modifying a data model for the data network to include the first data inventory and the second data inventory; analyzing, by computing hardware, at least a portion of the first plurality of attributes to identify a data processing activity that utilizes the first data asset for the certain data; analyzing, by the computing hardware, at least a portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify that the data processing activity also utilizes the second data asset for the certain data; populating, by the computing hardware and based on analyzing the portion of the first plurality of attributes, the data model to include a first link to represent a first relationship between the first data asset and the data processing activity, wherein the first link associates the first data inventory with a third data inventory for the data processing activity, the third data inventory comprising a third plurality of attributes; populating, by the computing hardware and based on analyzing the portion of the second plurality of attributes, the data model to include a second link to represent a second relationship between the second data asset and the data processing activity, wherein the second link associates the second data inventory with the third data inventory; generating, by the computing hardware, a graphical user interface that comprises a visual representation of a flow of the certain data based on a data structure of the data model by: configuring a first visual indication of the first data asset, configuring a second visual indication of the second data asset, configuring a third visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the first data asset and the second data asset based on the first link and the second link; and providing, by the computing hardware, the graphical user interface for displaying on a computing device the visual representation of the flow of the certain data.

In particular embodiments, the first relationship comprises the first data asset acting as a storage location for the data processing activity. In particular embodiments, the second relationship comprises the second data asset acting as a data source for the data processing activity.

In addition, according to particular embodiments, the method further comprises: analyzing, by the computing hardware, at least a portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify a second data processing activity that also utilizes the second data asset for the certain data; analyzing, by the computing hardware, at least a portion of a fourth plurality of attributes for a third data asset to identify that the second data processing activity also utilizes the third data asset for the certain data; populating, by the computing hardware and based on analyzing the portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify the second data processing activity, the data model to include a third link to represent a third relationship between the second data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein the third link associates the second data inventory with a fifth data inventory for the second data processing activity, the fifth data inventory comprising a fifth plurality of attributes; and populating, by the computing hardware and based on analyzing the portion of the fourth plurality of attributes, the data model to include a fourth link to represent a fourth relationship between the third data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein: the fourth link associates a fourth data inventory for the third data asset with the fifth data inventory, the fourth data inventory comprises the fourth plurality of attributes, and generating the graphical user interface that comprises the visual representation of the flow of the certain data based on the data structure of the data model further comprises: configuring a fourth visual indication of the third data asset, and configuring a fifth visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the second data asset and the third data asset based on the third link and the fourth link.

In particular embodiments, the first visual indication is configured on the graphical user interface as selectable, and the method further comprises providing, based on a selection of the first visual indication, a second graphical user interface for display on the computing device, the second graphical user interface comprising at least one attribute of the first plurality of attributes. In some embodiments, the at least one attribute comprises a data control implemented for the first data asset. Further, according to particular aspects, the third visual indication is configured on the graphical user interface as selectable, and the method further comprises providing, based on a selection of the third visual indication, a second graphical user interface for display on the computing device, the second graphical user interface comprising at least one attribute of the third plurality of attributes.

In accordance with various embodiments, a system is provided comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions and a processing device communicatively coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium. In particular aspects, the processing device is configured to execute the instructions and thereby perform operations that comprise: analyzing at least a portion of a first plurality of attributes to identify a data processing activity that utilizes a first data asset for a certain data handled in a data network; analyzing at least a portion of a second plurality of attributes to identify that the data processing activity also utilizes a second data asset for the certain data; populating, based on analyzing the portion of the first plurality of attributes, a data model for the data network to include a first link to represent a first relationship between the first data asset and the data processing activity, wherein: the data model comprises: a first data inventory for the first data asset, the first data inventory comprising the first plurality of attributes, a second data inventory for the second data asset, the second data inventory comprising the second plurality of attributes, and a third data inventory for the data processing activity, the third data inventory comprising a third plurality of attributes, and the first link associates the first data inventory with the third data inventory; populating, based on analyzing the portion of the second plurality of attributes, the data model to include a second link to represent a second relationship between the second data asset and the data processing activity, wherein the second link associates the second data inventory with the third data inventory; and generating a graphical user interface that comprises a visual representation of a flow of the certain data based on a data structure of the data model by: configuring a first visual indication of the first data asset, configuring a second visual indication of the second data asset, configuring a third visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the first data asset and the second data asset based on the first link and the second link, wherein the graphical user interface is provided for displaying the visual representation on a computing device.

In particular embodiments, the first relationship comprises the first data asset acting as a storage location for the data processing activity. In particular embodiments, the second relationship comprises the second data asset acting as a data source for the data processing activity.

In addition, according to particular embodiments, the operations further comprise: analyzing at least a portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify a second data processing activity that also utilizes the second data asset for the certain data; analyzing at least a portion of a fourth plurality of attributes for a third data asset to identify that the second data processing activity also utilizes the third data asset for the certain data; populating, based on analyzing the portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify the second data processing activity, the data model to include a third link to represent a third relationship between the second data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein the third link associates the second data inventory with a fifth data inventory for the second data processing activity, the fifth data inventory comprising a fifth plurality of attributes; and populating, based on analyzing the portion of the fourth plurality of attributes, the data model to include a fourth link to represent a fourth relationship between the third data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein: the fourth link associates a fourth data inventory for the third data asset with the fifth data inventory, the fourth data inventory comprises the fourth plurality of attributes, and generating the graphical user interface that comprises the visual representation of the flow of the certain data based on the data structure of the data model involves: configuring a fourth visual indication of the third data asset, and configuring a fifth visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the second data asset and the third data asset based on the third link and the fourth link.

In particular embodiments, the visual representation comprises a geographic map, the first visual indication of the first data asset comprises a first geographic location of the first data asset, and the second visual indication of the second data asset comprises a second geographic location of the second data asset. In addition, in particular embodiments, generating the graphical user interface that comprises the visual representation of the flow of the certain data based on the data structure of the data model involves configuring a fourth visual indication of a risk level associated with the flow of the certain data between the first data asset and the second data asset. Further, in particular embodiments, the first visual indication is configured on the graphical user interface as selectable, a second graphical user interface is provided for display on the computing device based on a selection of the first visual indication, and the second graphical user interface comprises at least one attribute of the first plurality of attributes.

In accordance with various aspects, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code that is stored thereon. In particular aspects, the program code executable by one or more processing devices performs operations that comprise: analyzing a first attribute to identify a data processing activity that utilizes a first data asset for a certain data handled in a data network; analyzing a second attribute to identify that the data processing activity also utilizes a second data asset for the certain data; populating, based on the first attribute, a data model for the data network to include a first link to represent a first relationship between the first data asset and the data processing activity, wherein: the data model comprises: a first data inventory for the first data asset, a second data inventory for the second data asset, and a third data inventory for the data processing activity, and the first link associates the first data inventory with the third data inventory; populating, based on the second attribute, the data model to include a second link to represent a second relationship between the second data asset and the data processing activity, wherein the second link associates the second data inventory with the third data inventory; and generating a graphical user interface that comprises a visual representation of a flow of the certain data based on a data structure of the data model by: configuring a first visual indication of the first data asset, configuring a second visual indication of the second data asset, configuring a third visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the first data asset and the second data asset based on the first link and the second link, wherein the graphical user interface is provided for displaying the visual representation on a computing device.

According to particular embodiments, the first relationship comprises the first data asset acting as a storage location for the data processing activity. According to particular embodiments, the second relationship comprises the second data asset acting as a data source for the data processing activity.

In accordance with particular embodiments, the operations further comprise: analyzing a third attribute to identify a second data processing activity that also utilizes the second data asset for the certain data; analyzing a fourth attribute to identify that the second data processing activity also utilizes a third data asset for the certain data; populating, based on analyzing the third attribute to identify the second data processing activity, the data model to include a third link to represent a third relationship between the second data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein the third link associates the second data inventory with a fifth data inventory for the second data processing activity; and populating, based on analyzing the fourth attribute, the data model to include a fourth link to represent a fourth relationship between the third data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein: the fourth link associates a fourth data inventory for the third data asset with the fifth data inventory, and generating the graphical user interface that comprises the visual representation of the flow of the certain data based on the data structure of the data model involves: configuring a fourth visual indication of the third data asset, and configuring a fifth visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the second data asset and the third data asset based on the third link and the fourth link.

According to particular embodiments, the visual representation comprises a geographic map, the first visual indication of the first data asset comprises a first geographic location of the first data asset, and the second visual indication of the second data asset comprises a second geographic location of the second data asset. In addition, according to particular embodiments, the first visual indication is configured on the graphical user interface as selectable, a second graphical user interface is provided for display on the computing device based on a selection of the first visual indication, and the second graphical user interface comprises at least a portion of the first data inventory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of a data model generation and population system are described below. In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a data model generation and population system according to particular embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a computer (such as the data model generation server 110, or data model population server 120) that is suitable for use in various embodiments of the data model generation and population system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of steps performed by a Data Model Generation Module according to particular embodiments.

FIGS. 4-10 depict various exemplary visual representations of data models according to particular embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of steps performed by a Data Model Population Module.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of steps performed by a Data Population Questionnaire Generation Module.

FIG. 13 is a process flow for populating a data inventory according to a particular embodiment using one or more data mapping techniques.

FIGS. 14-25 depict exemplary screen displays and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) according to various embodiments of the system, which may display information associated with the system or enable access to, or interaction with, the system by one or more users (e.g., to configure a questionnaire for populating one or more inventory attributes for one or more data models, complete one or more assessments, etc.).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of steps performed by an Intelligent Identity Scanning Module.

FIG. 27 is schematic diagram of network architecture for an intelligent identity scanning system 2700 according to a particular embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of an asset access methodology utilized by an intelligent identity scanning system 2700 in various embodiments of the system.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of a processes performed by a Data Subject Access Request Fulfillment Module 2900 according to various embodiments.

FIGS. 30-31 depict exemplary screen displays and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) according to various embodiments of the system, which may display information associated with the system or enable access to, or interaction with, the system by one or more users (e.g., for the purpose of submitting a data subject access request or other suitable request).

FIGS. 32-35 depict exemplary screen displays and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) according to various embodiments of the system, which may display information associated with the system or enable access to, or interaction with, the system by one or more users (e.g., for the purpose of flagging one or more risks associated with one or more particular questionnaire questions).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Overview and Technical Contributions of Various Embodiments

As previously noted, a technical challenge often encountered by many entities (e.g., organizations) that handle specific types of data (e.g., such as personal data, sensitive data, etc.) is identifying various flows of the data through a data network. A data network may be used by an entity in performing different tasks involving specific data such as collecting, storing, transferring, processing, and/or the like of the data. The term “handling” is used herein with respect to an entity (data assets and/or data processing activities thereof) performing different tasks involving the specific data. The data network may include various data assets and data processing activities. A data asset may include any component that may be involved in handling specific data for the entity. For example, a data asset may include a software application, “internet of things” computerized device, computing hardware, database, website, data-center, server, and or the like. A data processing activity may include an enterprise or action preformed in processing data for the entity. For example, a data processing activity may involve the collecting and storing of credit card data from individuals through a webform provided on a website.

Thus, a multitude of data processing activities representing various data flows may be involved in handling specific data through a data network for an entity. Further, the data flows may comprise a multitude of data assets that are involved in handling the specific data within the data flows. Therefore, a single data processing activity may utilize multiple data assets, in various combinations, in processing the specific data through the data network. That is to say, any one data processing activity may represent a data flow involving the specific data that utilizes multiple data assets, and any one data asset can be utilized in multiple data processing activities representing multiple data flows. This can provide to be a significant technical challenge for the entity (personnel thereof) in identifying the flow of the specific data through the data network due to the numerous combinations of data assets and/or data processing activities that may overlap across various data flows. The technical challenge can be even more daunting as the number of data assets and/or data processing activities increases for the data network, as well as the volume of the specific data handled by the data network.

An important reason for identifying data flows involving specific data through a data network is because such data may require the network to implement data controls for handling the specific data within the data network. Therefore, identifying the data flows for specific data (e.g., a specific type of data) within a data network, as well as identifying the data assets and data processing activities involved in the data flows, becomes very important in ensuring that the appropriate/required data controls are implemented for the data assets and data processing activities.

For example, a specific type of data that requires data controls to be implemented in handling the data is personal data of individuals (data subjects). Various privacy regulations, laws, and the like define data controls that must be implemented by an entity in handling the personal data of data subjects. A primary reason for these controls is to ensure an entity is handling the personal data in a manner that minimizes the risk of the personal data being exposed to unauthorized parties. For example, such privacy regulations, laws, and the like may require data controls such as implementing encryption of the personal data for data transfers, implementing access controls on storage devices used for storing the personal data, anatomizing the personal data before displaying the data via a graphical user interface, and/or the like. Many of these data controls are required to be implemented with respect to various data assets and data processing activities that are involved in handling the personal data. Therefore, identifying the data assets and/or data processing activities that are involved in handling the personal data by an entity within a data network is critical in ensuring the proper data controls for the data assets and data processing activities are in place.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure address the technical challenges discussed herein by providing an instrument in the form of a data model that includes information on various data assets and data processing activities involved in handling a specific data (e.g., personal data) for a data network, as well as links between data assets and data processing activities, which can be used as a data structure to represent the flow of the specific data through the data network. As discussed further herein, the links between the data assets and data processing activities represent various types of relationships that exit between the data assets and data processing activities with respect to handling the specific data. The data model is populated with links between data assets and data processing activities based on attributes (e.g., defined in data inventories for the data assets and data processing activities) that indicate the relationships between the data assets and the data processing activities. In particular embodiments, a graphical user interface can then be generated to provide a visual representation (a data map) of the data structure found in the data model. Here, the graphical user interface is configured with indications of data assets involved in the data flow of the specific data and indications of the links that exist between the data assets and data processing activities to represent exchanges of the specific data between the data assets. Therefore, an entity (e.g., personnel of the entity) can use the graphical user interface in recognizing the data assets, as well as the data processing activities, involved in a data flow of the specific data through a data network to ensure proper data controls are implemented for the specific data.

A data model generation and population system, according to particular embodiments, is configured to generate a data model (e.g., one or more data models) that can be used to map one or more relationships between and/or among a plurality of data assets and data processing activities utilized by an entity (e.g., individual, organization, etc.) in processing data.

FIGS. 4 and 5 provide an example of a data model for a data asset. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in various embodiments, a data model may store various information for a data asset such as, for example: (1) the organization that owns and/or uses the particular data asset (e.g., a primary data asset shown in the center of the data model in FIG. 4); (2) one or more departments associated with the organization that are responsible for managing the data asset; (3) links (e.g., relationships) one or more other data assets such as, for example, software applications that collect specific data (e.g., personal data) for storage in and/or use by the data asset (e.g., one or more suitable collection assets from which the personal data that is collected, processed, stored, etc. by the primary data asset is sourced); (4) one or more particular data subjects (or categories of data subjects) that specific data is collected from for use by the data asset; (5) one or more particular types of specific data that are processed by the data asset; (6) one or more individuals (e.g., particular individuals or types of individuals) that are permitted to access and/or use the specific data processed by the data asset; (7) which particular types of specific data each of those individuals are allowed to access and use; and (8) one or more data assets (destination assets) that the specific data is transferred to for other use, and which particular data is transferred to each of those data assets. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a data model may also optionally store information regarding, for example, which business processes and data processing activities utilize the data asset.

As previously noted, in particular embodiments, the information stored for a data model may include information on relationships (e.g., links) that exist between data assets and/or data processing activities for an entity. For example, the information for a data model may identify a relationship between a particular data asset and a particular data processing activity utilized by the entity in processing specific data. As discussed further herein, various types of relationships may exist between the data assets and/or data processing activities in processing the specific data. For example, a relationship may exist between the particular data asset and the particular data processing activity in which the data asset acts as a storage location for the data processing activity.

In various embodiments, the data model generation and population system may be implemented in the context of any suitable privacy management system that is configured to ensure compliance with one or more legal or industry standards related to the handling (e.g., collection and/or storage) of private information. In various embodiments, a particular organization, sub-group, or other entity may initiate a privacy campaign or other activity (e.g., processing activity) as part of its business activities. In such embodiments, the privacy campaign may include any undertaking by a particular organization (e.g., such as a project or other activity) that includes the collection, entry, and/or storage (e.g., in memory) of personal data associated with one or more individuals. In particular embodiments, a privacy campaign may include any project undertaken by an organization that includes the handling of personal data, or any other activity that could have an impact on the privacy of one or more individuals.

Accordingly, personal data may include, for example: (1) the name of a particular data subject (which may be a particular individual); (2) the data subject's address; (3) the data subject's telephone number; (4) the data subject's e-mail address; (5) the data subject's social security number; (6) information associated with one or more of the data subject's credit accounts (e.g., credit card numbers); (7) banking information for the data subject; (8) location data for the data subject (e.g., their present or past location); (9) internet search history for the data subject; and/or (10) any other suitable personal information, such as other personal information discussed herein. In particular embodiments, such personal data may include one or more cookies (e.g., where the individual is directly identifiable or may be identifiable based at least in part on information stored in the one or more cookies).

Although the disclosure provided herein is described in the context of the handling of personal data. Those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that various embodiments of the disclosure may be used for other types of data. For example, the data model generation and population system may be used in particular embodiments for generating and populating data models that involve the handling of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) data. Accordingly, such data models can be used in ensuring and/or demonstrating an entity is achieving objectives of various principles involved with this type of data.

In particular embodiments, when generating a data model, the system may, for example: (1) identify one or more data assets and/or data processing activities associated with a particular organization; (2) generate a data inventory for each of the one or more data assets and/or data processing activities where a data inventory may comprise information such as: (a) one or more other data assets and/or processing activities associated (e.g., having a relationship) with the particular data asset or data processing activity, (b) transfer data associated with the data asset and/or data processing activity (e.g., data regarding which data is transferred to/from the data asset and/or via the processing activity, and which data assets, processing activities, and/or individuals, the data is received from and/or transferred to), (c) personal data associated with the particular data asset and/or data processing activity (e.g., particular types of data collected, stored, processed, etc. by the particular data asset and/or data processing activity), and/or (d) any other suitable information; and (3) populate the data model using one or more suitable techniques.

In particular embodiments, the one or more techniques for populating the data model may include, for example: (1) obtaining information for the data model by using one or more questionnaires associated with a particular privacy campaign, processing activity, etc.; (2) using one or more intelligent identity scanning techniques discussed herein to identify personal data stored by the system and map such data to a suitable data model, data asset, and/or data processing activity within a data model, etc.; (3) obtaining information for the data model from a third-party application (or other application) using one or more application programming interfaces (API); and/or (4) using any other suitable technique.

In particular embodiments, the one or more techniques for populating the data model may also, or instead, include obtaining and/or determining data that may be used to identify one or more transfers of data between two or more assets and/or via one or more data processing activities (e.g., data that can be used to map out transfers of data between assets and/or via processing activities). The system may populate the data model with one or more pieces of such data (e.g., as one or more inventory attributes). For example, the system may obtain and analyze one or more API keys stored on a particular data asset to determine (directly or indirectly from such a key) one or more other systems with which the particular data asset may exchange data (e.g., one or more transfer data assets). The system may also, or instead, use such API key analysis to determine one or more particular types of data being transferred to and/or from the particular data asset. In particular embodiments, an API key may be a piece of computer code and/or other data that gets passed in in an API call. An API key may identify one or more users, systems (e.g., data assets), and/or applications that are communicating with a particular application via an API and/or permitted to communicate with the particular application via an API. The system may be configured to use any other type of data or code that conveys information similar to that of an API key to perform any of the activities disclosed herein.

In particular embodiments, the system may analyze identifying information (e.g., remote system access information) stored on a particular system (e.g., data asset) to determine one or more other systems with which the particular system may exchange data and/or one or more types of data exchanged. For example, the system may analyze one or more uniform resource locators (URLs) associated with transfer data on a particular data asset to determine one or more other systems with which the particular data asset may exchange data and/or one or more types of data exchanged. In another example, the system may analyze one or more access logs on a particular data asset to determine one or more other systems with which the particular data asset has exchanged data and/or one or more types of data exchanged. The system may then use such information to populate one or more inventory attributes in a data inventory and/or data model.

In particular embodiments, the system may analyze a first type of remote system access information to obtain information that may be used to analyze a second type of remote system access information to determine one or more inventory attributes. For example, the system may analyze an API key or a URL to determine a particular remote system with which a particular data asset exchanges data. The system may then analyze access logs on the particular data asset using identifying information for the particular remote system (determined based on the API key and/or URL analysis) to determine one or more types of data exchanged by the particular data asset and the particular remote system, one or more data processing activities involving the particular remote system, and/or any other information that may be used to populate one or more inventory attributes.

In another example, the system may analyze access logs to determine a particular remote system with which a particular data asset exchanges data. The system may then analyze one or more API keys on the particular data asset using identifying information for the particular remote system determined from the access logs to determine one or more types of data exchanged by the particular data asset and the particular remote system, one or more data processing activities involving the particular remote system, and/or any other information that may be used to populate one or more inventory attributes.

In particular embodiments, the system is configured to generate and populate a data model substantially on the fly (e.g., as the system receives new data associated with particular processing activities). In still other embodiments, the system is configured to generate and populate a data model based at least in part on existing information stored by the system (e.g., in one or more data assets), for example, using one or more suitable scanning techniques described herein.

As may be understood in light of this disclosure, a particular organization may undertake a plurality of different privacy campaigns, data processing activities, etc. that involve the collection and storage of personal data. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of different privacy campaigns, data processing activities, etc. may collect redundant data (e.g., may collect the same personal data for a particular individual more than once), and may store data and/or redundant data in one or more particular locations (e.g., on one or more different servers, in one or more different databases, etc.). In this way, a particular organization may store personal data in a plurality of different locations which may include one or more known and/or unknown locations. By generating and populating a data model representing one or more data assets and/or data processing activities that are involved in the collection, storage and processing of such personal data, the system may be configured to create a data model that facilitates a straightforward retrieval of information stored by the organization as desired. For example, in various embodiments, the system may be configured to use a data model in substantially automatically responding to one or more data access requests by an individual (e.g., or other organization). In still other embodiments, such data model generation and population may improve the functionality of an entity's computing systems by enabling a more streamlined retrieval of data from the system and eliminating redundant storage of identical data. Various embodiments of a system for generating and populating a data model are described more fully below.

Exemplary Technical Platforms

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant field, the present invention may be, for example, embodied as a computer system, a method, or a computer program product. Accordingly, various embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, particular embodiments may take the form of a computer program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) embodied in the storage medium. Various embodiments may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including, for example, hard disks, compact disks, DVDs, optical storage devices, and/or magnetic storage devices.

Various embodiments are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatuses (e.g., systems), and computer program products. It should be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by a computer executing computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture that is configured for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of mechanisms for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, and program instructions for performing the specified functions. It should also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and other hardware executing appropriate computer instructions.

Example System Architecture

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a Data Model Generation and Population System 100 according to a particular embodiment. In various embodiments, the Data Model Generation and Population System 100 is part of a privacy compliance system (also referred to as a privacy management system), or other system, which may, for example, be associated with a particular organization and be configured to aid in compliance with one or more legal or industry regulations related to the collection and storage of personal data. In some embodiments, the Data Model Generation and Population System 100 is configured to: (1) generate a data model based on one or more identified data assets and/or data processing activities, where the data model includes a data inventory associated with each of the one or more identified data assets and/or data processing activities; (2) identify populated and unpopulated aspects of each data inventory; and (3) populate the unpopulated aspects of each data inventory using one or more techniques such as intelligent identity scanning, questionnaire response mapping, APIs, etc.

As may be understood from FIG. 1, the Data Model Generation and Population System 100 includes one or more computer networks 115, a Data Model Generation Server 110, a Data Model Population Server 120, an Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130, One or More Databases 140 or other data structures, one or more remote computing devices 150 (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, etc.), and One or More Third Party Servers 160. In particular embodiments, the one or more computer networks 115 facilitate communication between the Data Model Generation Server 110, Data Model Population Server 120, Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130, One or More Databases 140, one or more remote computing devices 150 (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, etc.), and One or More Third Party Servers 160. Although in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the Data Model Generation Server 110, Data Model Population Server 120, Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130, One or More Databases 140, one or more remote computing devices 150 (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, etc.), and one or more third party servers 160 are shown as separate servers, it should be understood that in other embodiments, one or more of these servers and/or computing devices may comprise a single server, a plurality of servers, one or more cloud-based servers, or any other suitable configuration.

The one or more computer networks 115 may include any of a variety of types of wired or wireless computer networks such as the Internet, a private intranet, a public switch telephone network (PSTN), or any other type of network. The communication link between The Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130 and the One or More Third Party Servers 160 may be, for example, implemented via a Local Area Network (LAN) or via the Internet. In other embodiments, the One or More Databases 140 may be stored either fully or partially on any suitable server or combination of servers described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a computer 200 that can be used within the Data Model Generation and Population System 100, for example, as a client computer (e.g., one or more remote computing devices 150 shown in FIG. 1), or as a server computer (e.g., Data Model Generation Server 110 shown in FIG. 1). In particular embodiments, the computer 200 may be suitable for use as a computer within the context of the Data Model Generation and Population System 100 that is configured to generate a data model and map one or more relationships between one or more pieces of data that make up the model.

In particular embodiments, the computer 200 may be connected (e.g., networked) to other computers in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, and/or the Internet. As noted above, the computer 200 may operate in the capacity of a server or a client computer in a client-server network environment, or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The Computer 200 may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or bridge, or any other computer capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that computer. Further, while only a single computer is illustrated, the term “computer” shall also be taken to include any collection of computers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

An exemplary computer 200 includes a processing device 202, a main memory 204 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), static memory 206 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a data storage device 218, which communicate with each other via a bus 232.

The processing device 202 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processing device 202 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, or processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processing device 202 may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. The processing device 202 may be configured to execute processing logic 226 for performing various operations and steps discussed herein.

The computer 200 may further include a network interface device 208. The computer 200 also may include a video display unit 210 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 212 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 214 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device 216 (e.g., a speaker).

The data storage device 218 may include a non-transitory computer-accessible storage medium 230 (also known as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable medium) on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software instructions 222) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software instructions 222 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within main memory 204 and/or within processing device 202 during execution thereof by computer 200—main memory 204 and processing device 202 also constituting computer-accessible storage media. The software instructions 222 may further be transmitted or received over a network 115 via network interface device 208.

While the computer-accessible storage medium 230 is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “computer-accessible storage medium” should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-accessible storage medium” should also be understood to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the computer and that cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. The term “computer-accessible storage medium” should accordingly be understood to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, etc.

Exemplary System Platform

Various embodiments of a Data Model Generation and Population System 100 may be implemented in the context of any suitable system (e.g., a privacy compliance system). For example, the Data Model Generation and Population System 100 may be implemented to analyze a particular company or other organization's data assets and/or data processing activities to generate a data model for the one or more data processing activities, privacy campaigns, etc. undertaken by the organization. In particular embodiments, the system may implement one or more modules in order to at least partially ensure compliance with one or more regulations (e.g., legal requirements) related to the collection and/or storage of personal data. Various aspects of the system's functionality may be executed by certain system modules, including a Data Model Generation Module 300, Data Model Population Module 1100, Data Population Questionnaire Generation Module 1200, Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600, and Data Subject Access Request Fulfillment Module 2900. These modules are discussed in greater detail below.

Although these modules are presented as a series of steps, it should be understood in light of this disclosure that various embodiments of the Data Model Generation Module 300, Data Model Population Module 1100, Data Population Questionnaire Generation Module 1200, Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600, and Data Subject Access Request Fulfillment Module 2900 described herein may perform the steps described below in an order other than in which they are presented. In still other embodiments, the Data Model Generation Module 300, Data Model Population Module 1100, Data Population Questionnaire Generation Module 1200, Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600, and Data Subject Access Request Fulfillment Module 2900 may omit certain steps described below. In various other embodiments, the Data Model Generation Module 300, Data Model Population Module 1100, Data Population Questionnaire Generation Module 1200, Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600, and Data Subject Access Request Fulfillment Module 2900 may perform steps in addition to those described (e.g., such as one or more steps described with respect to one or more other modules, etc.).

Data Model Generation Module

In particular embodiments, a Data Model Generation Module 300 is configured to: (1) generate a data model for one or more data assets utilized by a particular organization; (2) generate a respective data inventory for each of the one or more data assets (as well as for one or more data processing activities that involve the data assets); and (3) map one or more relationships between one or more data assets and/or data processing activities within the data model.

In particular embodiments, a particular data asset, or collection of data assets, may be utilized as part of a particular data processing activity (e.g., direct deposit generation for payroll purposes). In various embodiments, a data model generation system may, on behalf of a particular organization (e.g., entity), generate a data model that encompasses a plurality of data assets that may involve one or more data processing activities. In other embodiments, the system may be configured to generate a discrete data model for each of a plurality of data assets and/or data processing activities undertaken by an organization.

Turning to FIG. 3, in particular embodiments, when executing the Data Model Generation Module 300, the system begins, at Step 310, by generating a data model for one or more data assets that may be involved with one or more data processing activities and digitally storing the data model in computer memory. The system may, for example, store the data model in the One or More Databases 140 described above (or any other suitable data structure). In various embodiments, generating the data model comprises generating a data structure that comprises information regarding one or more data assets, one or more data processing activities, one or more attributes, and/or other elements that make up the data model. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the one or more data assets and/or data processing activities may include data assets and/or data processing activities that may be related to one another. In particular embodiments, the one or more data assets and/or data processing activities may be related by virtue of being associated with a particular entity (e.g., organization). For example, one or more data assets may include one or more computer servers owned, operated, or utilized by the entity that at least temporarily store data sent, received, or otherwise processed by the particular entity.

In still other embodiments, the one or more data assets and/or data processing activities may comprise one or more third party assets and/or processing activities which may, for example, involve sending, receiving and/or processing (e.g., handling) personal data on behalf of the particular entity. One or more third party data assets may include, for example, one or more software applications (e.g., such as Expensify to collect expense information, QuickBooks to maintain and store salary information, etc.).

Continuing to step 320, the system is configured to identify a first data asset of the one or more data assets. As previously mentioned, in particular embodiments, the first data asset may include, for example, any component (e.g., system) that collects, processes, contains, transfers, and/or the like data (e.g., such as a software application, “internet of things” computerized device, database, website, data-center, server, etc.). For example, the first data asset may include any software or device utilized by a particular organization for such data collection, processing, transfer, etc.

In various embodiments, the first data asset may be associated with another data asset and/or one or more data processing activities For example, the first data asset may be associated with a particular data processing activity in that the first data asset may make up at least a part of a data flow involving the particular data processing activity that relates to the collection, storage, transfer, access, use, etc. of a particular piece of specific data (e.g., personal data)). Information regarding the first data asset may clarify, for example, one or more relationships between and/or among one or more other data assets and/or data processing activities within a particular organization. Accordingly, such relationships may exist between the first data asset and another data asset or between the first data asset and a data processing activity.

For example, a first data asset may be a storage asset that may receive one or more pieces of personal data via one or more data processing activities from one or more collection assets. Here, one or more “storage/processing” relationships may exist between the first data asset and the one or more processing activities in which the first data asset acts as a storage location and/or processing mechanism for the one or more data processing activities. In addition, one or more “related” relationships may exist between the first data asset and the one or more collection assets. Further, one or more “related” relationships may exist between the one or more processing activities.

In another example, the first data asset may be a collection asset that may transfer one or more pieces of personal data via one or more data processing activities to one or more transfer assets. Here, one or more “source/collection” relationships may exist between the first data asset and the one or more processing activities in which the first data asset acts as a source and/or collection point of data for the one or more data processing activities. In addition, one or more “related” relationships may exist between the first data asset and the one or more transfer assets. Further, one or more “related” relationships may exist between the one or more processing activities.

Yet, in another example, the first data asset may provide access to one or more pieces of data (e.g., personal data) to one or more parties (e.g., authorized individuals such as employees, managers, or other authorized individuals within a particular entity or organization). Here, one or more “destination/access” relationships may exist between the first data asset and the one or more parties in which the first data asset acts as a destination for a party that accesses the one or more pieces of the data as part of a data processing activity.

According to particular embodiments, the relationships (relationship types) described above may be considered bidirectional in that the details of inventories for both objects involved in a relationship (e.g., data assets and/or data processing activities) may be viewed via each of the objects. In addition, in particular embodiments, the first data asset may be a primary data asset and/or a data processing activity may be a primary data processing activity around which the system is configured to build a data model associated with the first data asset and/or the data processing activity.

In particular embodiments, the system is configured to identify the first data asset by scanning a data network (e.g., a plurality of computer systems) associated with a particular entity (e.g., owned, operated, utilized, etc. by the particular entity). In various embodiments, the system is configured to identify the first data asset from a plurality of data assets identified in response to completion by one or more users of one or more questionnaires.

Advancing to Step 330, the system generates a first data inventory of the first data asset. The data inventory may comprise one or more inventory attributes associated with the first data asset. For example, the inventory attributes may include: (1) one or more data assets and/or data processing activities associated (relationships thereof) with the first data asset; (2) transfer data (e.g., one or more piece of data) associated with the first data asset; (3) specific (e.g., personal) data associated with the first data asset (e.g., what type of personal data is involved with the first data asset); (4) storage data associated with the specific data (e.g., whether the data is being stored, protected and deleted); and (5) any other suitable attribute related to the collection, use, and transfer of the specific data. In other embodiments, the one or more inventory attributes may comprise one or more other pieces of information such as, for example: (1) the type of data being stored by the first data asset; (2) an amount of data involved with the first data asset; (3) data controls that have been implemented for the data such as whether the data is encrypted; (4) a location of the stored data (e.g., a physical location of one or more computer servers on which the data is stored); etc. In particular other embodiments, the one or more inventory attributes may comprise one or more pieces of information technology data related to the first data asset (e.g., such as one or more pieces of network and/or infrastructure information, IP address, MAC address, etc.).

In various embodiments, the system may identify data that involves transfers and/or other data exchange information associated with the first data asset to determine one or more inventory attributes that the system may use to populate the first data inventory. For example, the system may analyze one or more API keys associated with the first data asset to determine one or more other systems (e.g., one or more transfer data assets and/or data processing activities) with which the first data asset may exchange data and/or one or more particular types of data being transferred to and/or from the particular data asset. The system may then populate the first data inventory with information (e.g., relationships) for the identified one or more transfer data assets, data processing activities, and/or types of data exchanged. In particular embodiments, the system may analyze one or more other types of information associated with the first data asset to determine one or more transfer data assets, data processing activities, and/or other data elements that it may then use to populate the first data inventory. For example, the system may analyze one or more URLs associated with the transfer of data to/from the first data asset to determine one or more other systems with which the first data asset may exchange data and/or one or more types of data exchanged. In another embodiment, the system may analyze one or more access logs associated with the first data asset to determine one or more other systems with which the first data asset may exchange data and/or one or more types of data exchanged. In other embodiments, the system may use any other types of data that may be used to interact with one or more remote systems (e.g., transfer data assets) to determine one or more other systems with which the first data asset may exchange data and/or one or more types of data exchanged. The system may populate the first data inventory with any such information.

The system may also, or instead, analyze a first type of remote system access information to obtain information that may be used to analyze a second type of remote system access information to determine one or more inventory attributes. For example, the system may analyze an API key stored on the first data asset to identify a particular remote system that accesses the first data asset and/or that is accessed by the first data asset for data transfer purposes. The system may then analyze access logs on the first data asset based on the identified particular remote system to determine one or more types of data involved in transfers between the first data asset and the particular remote system, one or more processing activities involving the particular remote system, and/or any other information that may be used to populate one or more inventory attributes. The system may be configured to analyze any particular type of data that is transferred (e.g., remote system access information) to identify further information that the system may then use in one or more subsequent analyses to determine inventory attribute information. The system may use any such information to populate one or more inventory attributes and/or to determine information that may be used to populate one or more inventory attributes.

In various embodiments, the system may use this information to map out (e.g., generate a visual representation) of the transfer of data between the first data asset and one or more other systems (e.g., one or more other data assets and/or data processing activities). For example, as described in more detail below, the system may use the analyzed one or more other types of information associated with the first data asset data and its relationships with other data assets and/or data processing activities involving data exchanges to generate a visual representation (e.g., a visual data map as described in regard to FIG. 8 below) based on a particular data model (e.g., the first data inventory and relationships defined by the inventory).

In various embodiments, the system may generate the data inventory based at least in part on the type of first data asset. For example, particular types of data assets may have particular default inventory attributes. In such embodiments, the system is configured to generate the data inventory for the first data asset, which may, for example, include one or more placeholder fields to be populated by the system at a later time. In this way, the system may, for example, identify particular inventory attributes for a particular data asset for which information and/or population of data is required as the system builds the data model.

As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the system may, when generating the data inventory for the first data asset, generate one or more placeholder fields that may include, for example: (1) the organization (e.g., entity) that owns and/or uses the first data asset (e.g., a primary data asset, which is shown in the center of the data model in FIG. 4); (2) one or more departments associated with the organization that are responsible for the first data asset; (3) one or more relationships with one or more data assets and/or data processing activities that also handle the data (e.g., personal data) involved with the first data asset (e.g., relationships with one or more collection assets from which the personal data that is involved with the first data asset is sourced); (4) one or more particular data subjects (or categories of data subjects) that the data may be collected from that involves the first data asset; (5) one or more particular types of data involved with the first data asset; (6) one or more individuals (e.g., particular individuals or types of individuals) that are permitted to access and/or use the data involving the first data asset; and (7) which particular types of data each of those individuals are allowed to access and use; and (8) etc.

As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the system may be configured to generate the one or more placeholder fields based at least in part on, for example: (1) the type of the first data asset; (2) one or more third party vendors utilized by the particular organization; (3) a number of collection or storage assets typically associated with the type of the first data asset; and/or (4) any other suitable factor related to the first data asset, its one or more inventory attributes, etc. In other embodiments, the system may substantially automatically generate the one or more placeholders based at least in part on a hierarchy and/or organization of the entity for which the data model is being built. For example, a particular entity may have a marketing division, legal department, human resources department, engineering division, or other suitable combination of departments that make up an overall organization. Other particular entities may have further subdivisions within the organization. When generating the data inventory for the first data asset, the system may identify that the first data asset has both an associated organization and subdivision within the organization to which it is assigned. In this example, the system may be configured to store an indication in computer memory that the first data asset is associated with an organization and a department within the organization.

Next, at Step 340, the system modifies the data model to include the first data inventory and electronically links the first data inventory to the first data asset within the data model. In various embodiments, modifying the data model may include configuring the data model to store the data inventory in computer memory, and to digitally associate the data inventory with the first data asset in memory.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a data model for a first data asset according to a particular embodiment. As shown in these figures, the data model may store the following information for the first data asset: (1) the organization that owns and/or uses the first data asset; (2) one or more departments associated with the organization that are responsible for the first data asset; (3) one or more relationships (e.g. links) with one or more other data assets such as, for example, applications that collect data (e.g., personal data) for storage in and/or use by the first data asset; (4) one or more relationships (e.g., links) with one or more data processing activities such as, for example, a data processing activity that uses the first data asset for storing data; (5) one or more particular data subjects that data is collected from that is handled by the first data asset; (6) one or more particular types of data that are collected and handled by the first data asset; (7) one or more individuals (e.g., particular individuals, types of individuals, or other parties) that are permitted to access and/or use the data handled by the first data asset; (8) which particular types of data each of those individuals are allowed to access and use; and (9) etc. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the data model may also optionally store information regarding, for example, which business processes and processing activities utilize the first data asset.

As noted above, in particular embodiments, the information stored for a data model may include information on relationships (e.g., links) that exist between data assets, data processing activities, entities, and/or parties. For example, the information for the data model may include a link identifying a “storage/processing” relationship between the first data asset and a particular data processing activity in which the first data asset acts as a storage location for the processing activity. In another example, the information stored for the data model may include a link identifying a “source/collection” relationships between the first data asset and a particular data processing activity in which the first data asset acts as a data source and/or collection point of data for the particular data processing activity. Yet, in another example, the information stored for the data model may include a link identifying a “related” relationship between the first data asset and a second, different data asset in which the first and second data assets are related in that both assets are utilized by a particular processing activity. Yet, in another example, the information stored for the data model may include a link identifying a “destination/access” relationship between the first data asset and a particular party in which the first data asset serves as an access point to data for the party.

Advancing to Step 350, the system next identifies a second data asset from the one or more data assets. In various embodiments, the second data asset may include one of the one or more inventory attributes associated with the first data asset (e.g., the second data asset may include a collection asset, a destination asset, or transfer asset associated with the first data asset, etc.).

For example, as may be understood in light of the exemplary data models described below, a second data asset may be a primary data asset for a second data processing activity, while the first data asset may be the primary data asset for a first data processing activity. Here, the second data asset may serve as a destination asset as part of the first data processing activity. Therefore, the inventory attributes for the second data asset and/or first data processing activity may identify that a “destination/access” relationship exists between the second data asset and the first data processing activity and accordingly, a link may be included in the data model to represent this relationship. In addition, due to the first data asset serving as a primary data asset for the first data processing activity, the inventory attributes for the first data asset and/or the second data asset may identify that a “related” relationship between the first and second data assets and accordingly, a link may be included in the data model to represent his relationship. In this way, particular data assets and/or data processing activities that make up the data model may define one or more connections (relationships) that the data model is configured to map and store in memory.

Returning to Step 360, the system is configured to identify one or more attributes associated with the second data asset, modify the data model to include the one or more attributes, and map the one or more attributes of the second data asset within the data model. The system may, for example, generate a second data inventory for the second data asset that comprises any suitable attribute described with respect to the first data asset above. The system may then modify the data model to include the one or more attributes and store the modified data model in memory. The system may further, in various embodiments, associate the first data asset with the second data asset and/or one or more data processing activities in memory as part of the data model. In such embodiments, the system may be configured to electronically link the first data asset with the second data asset and/or one or more data processing activities. Accordingly, as previously discussed, such associations may indicate relationships between the first and second data asset and/or data processing activities in the context of the overall data model. For example, the first data asset may serve as a collection asset for a data processing activity.

Next, at Step 370, the system may be further configured to generate a visual representation of the data model. In particular embodiments, the visual representation of the data model comprises a data map. The visual representation may, for example, include the one or more data assets and/or data processing activities, one or more connections (relationships) between the one or more data assets and/or data processing activities, one or more inventory attributes for the one or more data assets and/or data processing activities, etc.

In particular embodiments, generating the visual representation (e.g., visual data map) of a particular data model may include, for example, generating a visual representation that includes: (1) a visual indication of a first data asset (e.g., a storage asset), a second data asset (e.g., a collection asset), and a third data asset (e.g., a transfer asset); (2) a visual indication of a flow of data (e.g., personal data) via a first processing activity from the second data asset to the first data asset (e.g., from the collection asset to the storage asset); (3) a visual indication of a flow of data (e.g., personal data) via the first processing activity or a second, different data processing activity from the first data asset to the third data asset (e.g., from the storage asset to the transfer asset); (4) one or more visual indications of a risk level associated with the transfer of personal data; and/or (5) any other suitable information related to the one or more data assets, the transfer of data between/among the one or more data assets, access to data stored or collected by the one or more data assets, etc.

In particular embodiments, the visual indication of a particular asset may comprise a box, symbol, shape, or other suitable visual indicator. In particular embodiments, the visual indication may comprise one or more labels (e.g., a name of each particular data asset, a type of the asset, etc.). In still other embodiments, the visual indication of a flow of data (involving a data processing activity) may comprise one or more arrows. In particular embodiments, the visual representation of the data model may comprise a data flow, flowchart, or other suitable visual representation. In various embodiments, the system is configured to display (e.g., to a user) the generated visual representation of the data model on a suitable computing device.

Finally, it is noted that the system may use the data model generation module 300 in particular embodiments in generating attribute inventories for data processing activities in a similar manner as described above with respect to data assets. Accordingly, the inventory for a data processing activity may include attributes similar to those described herein for a data asset. In addition, the system may link a corresponding inventory generated for a data processing activity to the data processing activity in the data model.

Exemplary Data Models and Visual Representations of Data Models (e.g., Data Maps)

FIGS. 4-10 depict exemplary data models according to various embodiments of the system described herein. FIG. 4, for example, depicts an exemplary data model that does not include a particular processing activity (e.g., that is not associated with a particular processing activity). As may be understood from the data model shown in this figure, a particular data asset (e.g., a primary data asset) may be associated with a particular company (e.g., organization), or organization within a particular company, sub-organization of a particular organization, etc. In still other embodiments, the particular asset may be associated with one or more collection assets (e.g., one or more data subjects from whom personal data is collected for storage by the particular asset), one or more parties that have access to data stored by the particular asset, one or more transfer assets (e.g., one or more assets to which data stored by the particular asset may be transferred), etc.

As may be understood from FIG. 4, a particular data model for a particular asset may include a plurality of data elements (e.g., attributes). When generating the data model for the particular asset, a system may be configured to substantially automatically identify one or more types of data elements for inclusion in the data model, and automatically generate a data model that includes those identified data elements (e.g., even if one or more of those data elements must remain unpopulated because the system may not initially have access to a value for the particular data element). In such cases, the system may be configured to store a placeholder for a particular data element until the system is able to populate the particular data element with accurate data.

As may be further understood from FIG. 4, the data model shown in FIG. 4 may represent a portion of an overall data model. For example, in the embodiment shown in this figure, the transfer asset depicted may serve as a storage asset for another portion of the data model. In such embodiments, the transfer asset may be associated with a respective one or more of the types of data elements described above. In this way, the system may generate a data model that may build upon itself to comprise a plurality of layers as the system adds one or more new data assets, data processing activities, attributes, etc.

As may be further understood from FIG. 4, a particular data model may indicate one or more parties that have access to and/or use of the primary asset (e.g., storage asset). In such embodiments, the system may be configured to enable the one or more parties to access one or more pieces of data (e.g., personal data) stored by the storage asset.

As shown in FIG. 4, the data model may further comprise one or more collection assets (e.g., one or more data assets or individuals from which the storage asset receives data such as personal data). In the exemplary data model shown in this figure, the collection assets comprise a data subject (e.g., an individual that may provide data to the system for storage in the storage asset) and a collection asset (e.g., which may transfer one or more pieces of data that the collection asset has collected to the storage asset).

FIG. 5 depicts a portion of an exemplary data model that is populated for the primary data asset Gusto. Gusto is a software application that, in the example shown in FIG. 5, may serve as a human resources service that contains financial, expense, review, time and attendance, background, and salary information for one or more employees of a particular organization (e.g., GeneriTech). In the example of FIG. 5, the primary asset (e.g., Gusto) may be utilized by the HR (e.g., Human Resources) department of the particular organization (e.g., GeneriTech). Furthermore, the primary asset, Gusto, may collect financial information from one or more data subjects (e.g., employees of the particular organization), receive expense information transferred from Expensify (e.g., expensing software), and receive time and attendance data transferred from Kronos (e.g., timekeeping software). In the example shown in FIG. 5, access to the information collected and/or stored by Gusto may include, for example: (1) an ability to view and administer salary and background information by HR employees, and (2) an ability to view and administer employee review information by one or more service managers. In the example shown in this figure, personal and other data collected and stored by Gusto (e.g., salary information, etc.) may be transferred to a company banking system, to QuickBooks, and/or to an HR file cabinet.

As may be understood from the example shown in FIG. 5, the system may be configured to generate a data model based around Gusto that illustrates a flow of personal data utilized by Gusto. The data model in this example illustrates, for example, a source of personal data collected, stored and/or processed by Gusto, a destination of such data, an indication of who has access to such data within Gusto, and an organization and department responsible for the information collected by Gusto. In particular embodiments, the data model and accompanying visual representation (e.g., data map) generated by the system as described in any embodiment herein may be utilized in the context of compliance with one or more record keeping requirements related to the collection, storage, and processing of personal data.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict an exemplary data model and related example that is similar, in some respects, to the data model and example of FIGS. 4 and 5. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the exemplary data model and related example include a specific business process and data processing activity that is associated with the primary asset (Gusto). In this example, the business process is compensation and the specific processing activity is direct deposit generation in Gusto. As may be understood from this figure, the collection and transfer of data related to the storage asset of Gusto is based on a need to generate direct deposits through Gusto in order to compensate employees. Gusto generates the information needed to conduct a direct deposit (e.g., financial and salary information) and then transmits this information to: (1) a company bank system for execution of the direct deposit; (2) QuickBooks for use in documenting the direct deposit payment; and (3) HR File cabinet for use in documenting the salary info and other financial information.

As may be understood in light of this disclosure, when generating such a data model, particular pieces of data (e.g., data attributes, data elements) may not be readily available to the system. In such embodiment, the system is configured to identify a particular type of data, create a placeholder for such data in memory, and seek out (e.g., scan for and populate) an appropriate piece of data to further populate the data model. For example, in particular embodiments, the system may identify Gusto as a primary asset and recognize that Gusto stores expense information. The system may then be configured to identify a source of the expense information (e.g., Expensify).

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary screen display 800 that illustrates a visual representation (e.g., visual data map) of a data model (e.g., a data inventory). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the data map provides a visual indication of a flow of data collected from particular data subjects (e.g., employees 801). As may be understood from this figure, the data map illustrates that three separate data assets receive data (e.g., which may include personal data) directly from the employees 801 as part of one or more data processing activities. In this example, these three data assets include Kronos 803 (e.g., a human resources software application), Workday 805 (e.g., a human resources software application), and ADP 807 (e.g., a human resources software application and payment processor). As shown in FIG. 8, the transfer of data from the employees 801 to these assets is indicated by respective arrows that represent the one or more processing activities involved in the transfer of the data.

As further illustrated in FIG. 8, the data map indicates a transfer of data (e.g., via one or more data processing activities) from Workday 805 to ADP 807 as well as to a Recovery Datacenter 809 and a London HR File Center 811. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the Recovery Datacenter 809 and London HR File Center 811 may comprise additional data assets in the context of the data model illustrated by the data map shown in FIG. 8. The Recover Datacenter 809 may include, for example, one or more computer servers (e.g., backup servers). The London HR File Center 811 may include, for example, one or more databases (e.g., such as the One or More Databases 140 shown in FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 8, each particular data asset depicted in the data map may be shown along with a visual indication of the type of data asset. For example, Kronos 803, Workday 805, and ADP 807 are depicted adjacent a first icon type (e.g., a computer monitor), while Recover Datacenter 809 and London HR File Center 811 are depicted adjacent a second and third icon type respectively (e.g., a server cluster and a file folder). In addition, the flow of data between the data assets is depicted with a visual indication, in this instance a line with an arrow. In this way, the system may be configured to visually indicate, via the data model, particular information related to the data model in a relatively minimal manner.

Further, in particular embodiments, the indications provided on the visual representation (e.g., data map) may provide functionality to allow a user to view further detail on a data asset and/or data processing activity. For instance, an icon for a data asset may be selectable to allow the user to access the data inventory (e.g., the attributes for the inventory) for the data asset. Here, for example, selecting the icon may cause a second screen display to be presented to the user with the data inventory. Likewise, the indication (line with an arrow) of an exchange of data between two data assets via a data processing activity may be selectable to allow the user to access the data inventory (e.g., the attributes for the inventory) for the data processing activity. Accordingly, the user can use such functionality, for example, in evaluating the data controls that have been put into place for the data asset or data processing activity with respect to handling the data.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary screen display 900 that illustrates a data map of a plurality of assets 905 in tabular form (e.g., table form). As may be understood from this figure, a table that includes one or more inventory attributes of each particular asset 905 in the table may indicate, for example: (1) a managing organization 910 of each respective asset 905; (2) a hosting location 915 of each respective asset 905 (e.g., a physical storage location of each asset 905); (3) a type 920 of each respective asset 905, if known (e.g., a database, software application, server, etc.); (4) a processing activity 925 associated with (e.g., related to) each respective asset 905; and/or (5) a status 930 of each particular data asset 905. In various embodiments, the status 930 of each particular asset 905 may indicate a status of the asset 905 in the discovery process. This may include, for example: (1) a “new” status for a particular asset that has recently been discovered as an asset that processes, stores, or collects personal data on behalf of an organization (e.g., discovered via one or more suitable techniques described herein); (2) an “in discovery” status for a particular asset for which the system is populating or seeking to populate one or more inventory attributes, etc.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary data (asset) map that includes a plurality of data assets 1005A-F, which may, for example, be utilized by a particular entity in the collection, storage, and/or processing of personal data. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the plurality of data assets 1005A-F may have been discovered using any suitable technique described herein (e.g., one or more intelligent identity scanning techniques, one or more questionnaires, one or more application programming interfaces, etc.). In various embodiments, a data inventory for each of the plurality of data assets 1005A-F may define, for each of the plurality of data assets 1005A-F a respective inventory attribute related to a storage location of the data asset.

As may be understood from this figure, the system may be configured to generate a map that indicates a location of the plurality of data assets 1005A-F for a particular entity. In the embodiment shown in this figure, locations that contain a data asset are indicated by circular indicia that contain the number of assets present at that location. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the locations are broken down by country. In particular embodiments, the asset map may distinguish between internal assets (e.g., first party servers, etc.) and external/third party assets (e.g., third party owned servers or software applications that the entity utilizes for data storage, transfer, etc.).

In some embodiments, the system is configured to indicate, via the visual representation, whether one or more assets have an unknown location (e.g., because the data model described above may be incomplete with regard to the location). In such embodiments, the system may be configured to: (1) identify the asset with the unknown location; (2) use one or more data modeling techniques described herein to determine the location (e.g., such as pinging the asset, generating one or more questionnaires for completion by a suitable individual, etc.); and (3) update a data model associated with the asset to include the location.

Data Model Population Module

In particular embodiments, a Data Model Population Module 1100 is configured to: (1) determine one or more unpopulated inventory attributes in a data model; (2) determine one or more attribute values for the one or more unpopulated inventory attributes; and (3) modify the data model to include the one or more attribute values.

Turning to FIG. 11, in particular embodiments, when executing the Data Model Population Module 1100, the system begins, at Step 1110, by analyzing one or more data inventories for each of the one or more data assets and/or data processing activities in the data model. The system may, for example, identify one or more particular data elements (e.g., inventory attributes) that make up the one or more data inventories. The system may, in various embodiments, scan one or more data structures associated with the data model to identify the one or more data inventories. In various embodiments, the system is configured to build an inventory of existing (e.g., known) data assets and/or data processing activities and identify inventory attributes for each of the known data assets and/or data processing activities.

Continuing to Step 1120, the system is configured to determine, for each of the one or more data inventories, one or more populated inventory attributes and one or more unpopulated inventory attributes (e.g., and/or one or more unpopulated data assets within the data model). As a particular example related to an unpopulated data asset, when generating and populating a data model, the system may determine that, for a particular asset, there is a destination asset. In various embodiments, the destination asset may be known (e.g., and already stored by the system as part of the data model). In other embodiments, the destination asset may be unknown (e.g., a data element that comprises the destination asset may comprise a placeholder or other indication in memory for the system to populate the unpopulated inventory attribute (e.g., data element).

As another particular example, a particular storage asset may be associated with a plurality of inventory assets (e.g., stored in a data inventory associated with the storage asset). In this example, the plurality of inventory assets may include an unpopulated inventory attribute related to a type of personal data stored in the storage asset. The system may, for example, determine that the type of personal data is an unpopulated inventory asset for the particular storage asset.

Returning to Step 1130, the system is configured to determine, for each of the one or more unpopulated inventory attributes, one or more attribute values. In particular embodiments, the system may determine the one or more attribute values using any suitable technique (e.g., any suitable technique for populating the data model). In particular embodiments, the one or more techniques for populating the data model may include, for example: (1) obtaining data for the data model by using one or more questionnaires associated with a particular privacy campaign, processing activity, etc.; (2) using one or more intelligent identity scanning techniques discussed herein to identify personal data stored by the system and then map such data to a suitable data model; (3) using one or more application programming interfaces (API) to obtain data for the data model from another software application; and/or (4) using any other suitable technique. Exemplary techniques for determining the one or more attribute values are described more fully below. In other embodiments, the system may be configured to use such techniques or other suitable techniques to populate one or more unpopulated data assets and/or data processing activities within the data model.

Next, at Step 1140, the system modifies the data model to include the one or more attribute values for each of the one or more unpopulated inventory attributes. The system may, for example, store the one or more attributes values in computer memory, associate the one or more attribute values with the one or more unpopulated inventory attributes, etc. In still other embodiments, the system may modify the data model to include the one or more data assets and/or data processing activities identified as filling one or more vacancies left within the data model by the unpopulated one or more data assets and/or data processing activities.

Continuing to Step 1150, the system is configured to store the modified data model in memory. In various embodiments, the system is configured to store the modified data model in the One or More Databases 140, or in any other suitable location. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to store the data model for later use by the system in the processing of one or more data subject access requests. In other embodiments, the system is configured to store the data model for use in one or more privacy impact assessments performed by the system.

Data Model Population Questionnaire Generation Module

In particular embodiments, a Data Population Questionnaire Generation Module 1200 is configured to generate a questionnaire (e.g., one or more questionnaires) comprising one or more questions associated with one or more particular unpopulated data attributes, and populate the unpopulated data attributes based at least in part on one or more responses to the questionnaire. In other embodiments, the system may be configured to populate the unpopulated data attributes based on one or more responses to existing questionnaires.

In various embodiments, the one or more questionnaires may comprise one or more data processing activity questionnaires (e.g., privacy impact assessments, data privacy impact assessments, etc.) configured to elicit one or more pieces of data related to one or more undertakings by an organization related to the collection, storage, and/or processing of personal data (e.g., data processing activities). In particular embodiments, the system is configured to generate the questionnaire (e.g., a questionnaire template) based at least in part on one or more data processing activity attributes, data asset attributes (e.g., inventory attributes), or other suitable attributes discussed herein.

Turning to FIG. 12, in particular embodiments, when executing the Data Population Questionnaire Generation Module 1200, the system begins, at Step 1210, by identifying one or more unpopulated data attributes from a data model. The system may, for example, identify the one or more unpopulated data attributes using any suitable technique described above. In particular embodiments, the one or more unpopulated data attributes may relate to, for example, one or more data processing activity or data asset attributes such as: (1) one or more data processing activities associated with a particular data asset; (2) transfer data associated with the particular data asset (e.g., how and where the data stored and/or collected by the particular data asset is being transferred to and/or from); (3) personal data associated with the particular data asset (e.g., what type of personal data is collected and/or stored by the particular data asset; how, and from where, the data is collected, etc.); (4) storage data associated with the personal data (e.g., whether the data is being stored, protected and deleted); and (5) any other suitable attribute related to the collection, use, and transfer of personal data by one or more data assets or via one or more data processing activities. In other embodiments, the one or more unpopulated inventory attributes may comprise one or more other pieces of information such as, for example: (1) the type of data being stored by the particular data asset; (2) an amount of data stored by the particular data asset; (3) whether the data is encrypted by the particular data asset; (4) a location of the stored data (e.g., a physical location of one or more computer servers on which the data is stored by the particular data asset); etc.

Continuing to Step 1220, the system generates a questionnaire (e.g., a questionnaire template) comprising one or more questions associated with one or more particular unpopulated data attributes. As may be understood in light of the above, the one or more particulate unpopulated data attributes may relate to, for example, a particular data processing activity or a particular data asset (e.g., a particular data asset utilized as part of a particular data processing activity). In various embodiments, the one or more questionnaires comprise one or more questions associated with the unpopulated data attribute. For example, if the data model includes an unpopulated data attribute related to a location of a server on which a particular data asset stores personal data, the system may generate a questionnaire associated with a data processing activity that utilizes the data asset (e.g., or a questionnaire associated with the data asset). The system may generate the questionnaire to include one or more questions regarding the location of the server.

Returning to Step 1230, the system maps one or more responses to the one or more questions to the associated one or more particular unpopulated data attributes. The system may, for example, when generating the questionnaire, associate a particular question with a particular unpopulated data attribute in computer memory. In various embodiments, the questionnaire may comprise a plurality of question/answer pairings, where the answer in the question/answer pairings maps to a particular inventory attribute for a particular data asset or data processing activity.

In this way, the system may, upon receiving a response to the particular question, substantially automatically populate the particular unpopulated data attribute. Accordingly, at Step 1240, the system modifies the data model to populate the one or more responses as one or more data elements for the one or more particular unpopulated data attributes. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to modify the data model such that the one or more responses are stored in association with the particular data element (e.g., unpopulated data attribute) to which the system mapped it at Step 1230. In various embodiments, the system is configured to store the modified data model in the One or More Databases 140, or in any other suitable location. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to store the data model for later use by the system in the processing of one or more data subject access requests. In other embodiments, the system is configured to store the data model for use in one or more privacy impact assessments performed by the system.

Continuing to optional Step 1250, the system may be configured to modify the questionnaire based at least in part on the one or more responses. The system may, for example, substantially dynamically add and/or remove one or more questions to/from the questionnaire based at least in part on the one or more responses (e.g., one or more response received by a user completing the questionnaire). For example, the system may, in response to the user providing a particular inventory attribute or new data asset, generates additional questions that relate to that particular inventory attribute or data asset. The system may, as the system adds additional questions, substantially automatically map one or more responses to one or more other inventory attributes or data assets. For example, in response to the user indicating that personal data for a particular data asset is stored in a particular location, the system may substantially automatically generate one or more additional questions related to, for example, an encryption level of the storage, who has access to the storage location, etc.

In still other embodiments, the system may modify the data model to include one or more additional data assets, data attributes, inventory attributes, etc. in response to one or more questionnaire responses. For example, the system may modify a data inventory for a particular data asset to include a storage encryption data element (which specifies whether the particular data asset stores particular data in an encrypted format) in response to receiving such data from a questionnaire. Modification of a questionnaire is discussed more fully below with respect to FIG. 13.

Data Model Population via Questionnaire Process Flow

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary process flow 1300 for populating a data model (e.g., modifying a data model to include a newly discovered data asset and/or data processing activity, populating one or more inventory attributes for a particular processing activity or data asset, etc.). In particular, FIG. 13 depicts one or more exemplary data relationships between one or more particular data attributes (e.g., processing activity attributes and/or asset attributes), a questionnaire template (e.g., a processing activity template and/or a data asset template), a completed questionnaire (e.g., a processing activity assessment and/or a data asset assessment), and a data inventory (e.g., a processing activity inventory and/or an asset inventory). As may be understood from this figure the system is configured to: (1) identify new data assets; (2) generate an asset inventory for identified new data assets; and (3) populate the generated asset inventories. Systems and methods for populating the generated inventories are described more fully below.

As may be understood from FIG. 13, a system may be configured to map particular processing activity attributes 1320A to each of: (1) a processing activity template 1330A; and (2) a processing activity inventory 1310A. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the processing activity template 1330A may comprise a plurality of questions (e.g., as part of a questionnaire), which may, for example, be configured to elicit discovery of one or more new data assets. The plurality of questions may each correspond to one or more fields in the processing activity inventory 1310A, which may, for example, define one or more inventory attributes of the processing activity.

In particular embodiments, the system is configured to provide a processing activity assessment 1340A to one or more individuals for completion. As may be understood from FIG. 13, the system is configured to launch the processing activity assessment 1340A from the processing activity inventory 1310A and further configured to create the processing activity assessment 1340A from the processing activity template 1330A. The processing activity assessment 1340A may comprise, for example, one or more questions related to the processing activity. The system may, in various embodiments, be configured to map one or more responses provided in the processing activity assessment 1340A to one or more corresponding fields in the processing activity inventory 1310A. The system may then be configured to modify the processing activity inventory 1310A to include the one or more responses, and store the modified inventory in computer memory. In various embodiments, the system may be configured to approve a processing activity assessment 1340A (e.g., receive approval of the assessment) prior to feeding the processing activity inventory attribute values into one or more fields and/or cells of the inventory.

As may be further understood from FIG. 13, in response to creating a new asset record (e.g., which the system may create, for example, in response to a new asset discovery via the processing activity assessment 1340A described immediately above, or in any other suitable manner), the system may generate an asset inventory 1310B (e.g., a data asset inventory) that defines a plurality of inventory attributes for the new asset (e.g., new data asset).

As may be understood from FIG. 13, a system may be configured to map particular asset attributes 1320B to each of: (1) an asset template 1330B; and (2) an asset inventory 1310B. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the asset template 1330B may comprise a plurality of questions (e.g., as part of a questionnaire), which may, for example, be configured to elicit discovery of one or more processing activities associated with the asset and/or one or more inventory attributes of the asset. The plurality of questions may each correspond to one or more fields in the asset inventory 1310B, which may, for example, define one or more inventory attributes of the asset.

In particular embodiments, the system is configured to provide an asset assessment 1340B to one or more individuals for completion. As may be understood from FIG. 13, the system is configured to launch the asset assessment 1340B from the asset inventory 1310B and further configured to create the asset assessment 1340B from the asset template 1330B. The asset assessment 1340B may comprise, for example, one or more questions related to the data asset. The system may, in various embodiments, be configured to map one or more responses provided in the asset assessment 1340B to one or more corresponding fields in the asset inventory 1310B. The system may then be configured to modify the asset inventory 1310B (e.g., and/or a related processing activity inventory 1310A) to include the one or more responses, and store the modified inventory in computer memory. In various embodiments, the system may be configured to approve an asset assessment 1340B (e.g., receive approval of the assessment) prior to feeding the asset inventory attribute values into one or more fields and/or cells of the inventory.

FIG. 13 further includes a detail view 1350 of a relationship between particular data attributes 1320C with an exemplary data inventory 1310C and a questionnaire template 1330C. As may be understood from this detail view 1350, a particular attribute name may map to a particular question title in a template 1330C as well as to a field name in an exemplary data inventory 1310C. In this way, the system may be configured to populate (e.g., automatically populate) a field name for a particular inventory 1310C in response to a user providing a question title as part of a questionnaire template 1330C. Similarly, a particular attribute description may map to a particular question description in a template 1330C as well as to a tooltip on a fieldname in an exemplary data inventory 1310C. In this way, the system may be configured to provide the tooltip for a particular inventory 1310C that includes the question description provided by a user as part of a questionnaire template 1330C.

As may be further understood from the detail view 1350 of FIG. 13, a particular response type may map to a particular question type in a template 1330C as well as to a field type in an exemplary data inventory 1310C. A particular question type may include, for example, a multiple choice question (e.g., A, B, C, etc.), a freeform response, an integer value, a drop down selection, etc. A particular field type may include, for example, a memo field type, a numeric field type, an integer field type, a logical field type, or any other suitable field type. A particular data attribute may require a response type of, for example: (1) a name of an organization responsible for a data asset (e.g., a free form response); (2) a number of days that data is stored by the data asset (e.g., an integer value); and/or (3) any other suitable response type.

In still other embodiments, the system may be configured to map a one or more attribute values to one or more answer choices in a template 1330C as well as to one or more lists and/or responses in a data inventory 1310C. The system may then be configured to populate a field in the data inventory 1310C with the one or more answer choices provided in a response to a questionnaire template 1330C with one or more attribute values.

Exemplary Questionnaire Generation and Completion User Experience

FIGS. 14-25 depict exemplary screen displays that a user may encounter when generating a questionnaire (e.g., one or more questionnaires and/or templates) for populating one or more data elements (e.g., inventory attributes) of a data model for a data asset and/or processing activity. FIG. 14, for example, depicts an exemplary asset based questionnaire template builder 1400. As may be understood from FIG. 14, the template builder may enable a user to generate an asset based questionnaire template that includes one or more sections 1420 related to the asset (e.g., asset information, security, disposal, processing activities, etc.). As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the system may be configured to substantially automatically generate an asset based questionnaire template based at least in part on the one or more unpopulated inventory attributes discussed above. The system may, for example, be configured to generate a template that is configured to populate the one or more unpopulated attributes (e.g., by eliciting responses, via a questionnaire to one or more questions that are mapped to the attributes within the data inventory).

In various embodiments, the system is configured to enable a user to modify a default template (e.g., or a system-created template) by, for example, adding additional sections, adding one or more additional questions to a particular section, etc. In various embodiments, the system may provide one or more tools for modifying the template. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the system may provide a user with a draft and drop question template 1410, from which the user may select a question type (e.g., textbox, multiple choice, etc.).

A template for an asset may include, for example: (1) one or more questions requesting general information about the asset; (2) one or more security-related questions about the asset; (3) one or more questions regarding how the data asset disposes of data that it uses; and/or (4) one or more questions regarding processing activities that involve the data asset. In various embodiments, each of these one or more sections may comprise one or more specific questions that may map to particular portions of a data model (e.g., a data map).

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary screen display of a processing activity questionnaire template builder 1500. The screen display shown in FIG. 15 is similar to the template builder shown in FIG. 14 with respect to the data asset based template builder. As may be understood from FIG. 15, the template builder may enable a user to generate a processing activity based questionnaire template that includes one or more sections 1520 related to the processing activity (e.g., business process information, personal data, source, storage, destinations, access and use, etc.). As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the system may be configured to substantially automatically generate a processing activity based questionnaire template based at least in part on the one or more unpopulated inventory attributes related to the processing activity (e.g., as discussed above). The system may, for example, be configured to generate a template that is configured to populate the one or more unpopulated attributes (e.g., by eliciting responses, via a questionnaire to one or more questions that are mapped to the attributes within the data inventory).

In various embodiments, the system is configured to enable a user to modify a default template (e.g., or a system-created template) by, for example, adding additional sections, adding one or more additional questions to a particular section, etc. In various embodiments, the system may provide one or more tools for modifying the template. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the system may provide a user with a draft and drop question template 1510, from which the user may select a question type (e.g., textbox, multiple choice, asset attributes, data subjects, etc.). The system may be further configured to enable a user to publish a completed template (e.g., for use in a particular assessment). In other embodiments, the system may be configured to substantially automatically publish the template.

In various embodiments, a template for a processing activity may include, for example: (1) one or more questions related to the type of business process that involves a particular data asset; (2) one or more questions regarding what type of personal data is acquired from data subjects for use by a particular data asset; (3) one or more questions related to a source of the acquired personal data; (4) one or more questions related to how and/or where the personal data will be stored and/or for how long; (5) one or more questions related to one or more other data assets that the personal data will be transferred to; and/or (6) one or more questions related to who will have the ability to access and/or use the personal data.

Continuing to FIG. 16, an exemplary screen display 1600 depicts a listing of assets 1610 for a particular entity. These may, for example, have been identified as part of the data model generation system described above. As may be understood from this figure, a user may select a drop down indicator 1615 to view more information about a particular asset. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the system stores the managing organization group for the “New Asset”, but is missing some additional information (e.g., such as a description 1625 of the asset). In order to fill out the missing inventory attributes for the “New Asset”, the system, in particular embodiments, is configured to enable a user to select a Send Assessment indicia 1620 in order to transmit an assessment related to the selected asset to an individual tasked with providing one or more pieces of information related to the asset (e.g., a manager, or other individual with knowledge of the one or more inventory attributes).

In response to the user selecting the Send Assessment indicia 1620, the system may create the assessment based at least in part on a template associated with the asset, and transmit the assessment to a suitable individual for completion (e.g., and/or transmit a request to the individual to complete the assessment).

FIG. 17 depicts an exemplary assessment transmission interface 1700 via which a user can transmit one or more assessments for completion. As shown in this figure, the user may assign a respondent, provide a deadline, indicate a reminder time, and provide one or more comments using an assessment request interface 1710. The user may then select a Send Assessment(s) indicia 1720 in order to transmit the assessment.

FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary assessment 1800 which a user may encounter in response to receiving a request to complete the assessment as described above with respect to FIGS. 16 and 17. As shown in FIG. 18, the assessment 1800 may include one or more questions that map to the one or more unpopulated attributes for the asset shown in FIG. 16. For example, the one or more questions may include a question related to a description of the asset, which may include a free form text box 1820 for providing a description of the asset. FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary screen display 1900 with the text box 1920 completed, where the description includes a value of “Value_1”. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the user may have renamed “New Asset” (e.g., which may have included a default or placeholder name) shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 to “7^(th) Asset.”

Continuing to FIG. 20, the exemplary screen display 2000 depicts the listing of assets 2010 from FIG. 16 with some additional attributes populated. For example, the Description 2025 (e.g., “Value_1”) provided in FIG. 19 has been added to the inventory. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, in response to a user providing the description via the assessment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the system may be configured to map the provided description to the attribute value associated with the description of the asset in the data inventory. The system may have then modified the data inventory for the asset to include the description attribute. In various embodiments, the system is configured to store the modified data inventory as part of a data model (e.g., in computer memory). The display 2000 also includes a button 2020 to send assessments.

FIGS. 21-24 depict exemplary screen displays showing exemplary questions that make up part of a processing activity questionnaire (e.g., assessment). FIG. 21 depicts an exemplary interface 2100 for responding to a first question 2110 and a second question 2120. As shown in FIG. 21, the first question 2110 relates to whether the processing activity is a new or existing processing activity. The first question 2110 shown in FIG. 21 is a multiple choice question. The second question 2120 relates to whether the organization is conducting the activity on behalf of another organization. As shown in this figure, the second question 2120 includes both a multiple choice portion and a free-form response portion.

As discussed above, in various embodiments, the system may be configured to modify a questionnaire in response to (e.g., based on) one or more responses provided by a user completing the questionnaire. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to modify the questionnaire substantially on-the-fly (e.g., as the user provides each particular answer). FIG. 22 depicts an interface 2200 that includes a second question 2220 that differs from the second question 2120 shown in FIG. 21. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, in response to the user providing a response to the first question 2110 in FIG. 21 that indicates that the processing activity is a new processing activity, the system may substantially automatically modify the second question 2120 from FIG. 21 to the second question 2220 from FIG. 22 (e.g., such that the second question 2220 includes one or more follow up questions or requests for additional information based on the response to the first question 2110 in FIG. 21).

As shown in FIG. 22, the second question 2220 requests a description of the activity that is being pursued. In various embodiments (e.g., such as if the user had selected that the processing activity was an existing one), the system may not modify the questionnaire to include the second question 2220 from FIG. 22, because the system may already store information related to a description of the processing activity at issue. In various embodiments, any suitable question described herein may include a tooltip 2225 on a field name (e.g., which may provide one or more additional pieces of information to guide a user's response to the questionnaire and/or assessment).

FIGS. 23 and 24 depict additional exemplary assessment questions 2300, 2400. The questions 2300, 2400 shown in these figures relate to, for example, particular data elements processed by various aspects of a processing activity.

FIG. 25 depicts a dashboard 2500 that includes an accounting of one or more assessments that have been completed, are in progress, or require completion by a particular organization. The dashboard 2500 shown in this figure is configured to provide information relate to the status of one or more outstanding assessments. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, because of the volume of assessment requests, it may be necessary to utilize one or more third party organizations to facilitate a timely completion of one or more assessment requests. In various embodiments, the dashboard may indicate that, based on a fact that a number of assessments are still in progress or incomplete, that a particular data model for an entity, data asset, processing activity, etc. remains incomplete. In such embodiments, an incomplete nature of a data model may raise one or more flags or indicate a risk that an entity may not be in compliance with one or more legal or industry requirements related to the collection, storage, and/or processing of personal data.

Intelligent Identity Scanning Module

Turning to FIG. 26, in particular embodiments, the Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600 is configured to scan one or more data sources to identify personal data stored on one or more network devices for a particular organization, analyze the identified personal data, and classify the personal data (e.g., in a data model) based at least in part on a confidence score derived using one or more machine learning techniques. The confidence score may be and/or comprise, for example, an indication of the probability that the personal data is actually associated with a particular data subject (e.g., that there is at least an 80% confidence level that a particular phone number is associated with a particular individual.)

When executing the Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600, the system begins, at Step 2610, by connecting to one or more databases or other data structures, and scanning the one or more databases to generate a catalog of one or more individuals and one or more pieces of personal information associated with the one or more individuals. The system may, for example, be configured to connect to one or more databases associated with a particular organization (e.g., one or more databases that may serve as a storage location for any personal or other data collected, processed, etc. by the particular organization, for example, as part of a suitable processing activity. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, a particular organization may use a plurality of one or more databases (e.g., the One or More Databases 140 shown in FIG. 1), a plurality of servers (e.g., the One or More Third Party Servers 160 shown in FIG. 1), or any other suitable data storage location in order to store personal data and other data collected as part of any suitable privacy campaign, privacy impact assessment, processing activity, etc.

In particular embodiments, the system is configured to scan the one or more databases by searching for particular data fields comprising one or more pieces of information that may include personal data. The system may, for example, be configured to scan and identify one of more pieces of personal data such as: (1) name; (2) address; (3) telephone number; (4) e-mail address; (5) social security number; (6) information associated with one or more credit accounts (e.g., credit card numbers); (7) banking information; (8) location data; (9) internet search history; (10) non-credit account data; and/or (11) any other suitable personal information discussed herein. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to scan for a particular type of personal data (e.g., or one or more particular types of personal data).

The system may, in various embodiments, be further configured to generate a catalog of one or more individuals that also includes one or more pieces of personal information (e.g., personal data) identified for the individuals during the scan. The system may, for example, in response to discovering one or more pieces of personal data in a particular storage location, identify one or more associations between the discovered pieces of personal data. For example, a particular database may store a plurality of individuals' names in association with their respective telephone numbers. One or more other databases may include any other suitable information.

The system may, for example, generate the catalog to include any information associated with the one or more individuals identified in the scan. The system may, for example, maintain the catalog in any suitable format (e.g., a data table, etc.).

In still other embodiments, in addition to connecting to a database, the system may be configured to: (1) access an application through one or more application programming interfaces (APIs); (2) use one or more screen scraping techniques on an end user page to identify and analyze each field on the page; and/or (3) connect to any other suitable data structure in order to generate the catalog of individuals and personal information associated with each of the individuals. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to analyze one or more access logs and applications set up through a system active directory or SSO portal for which one or more applications might contain certain data for user groups. The system may then be configured to analyze an email environment to identify one or more links to particular business applications, which may, for example, be in use by an entity and contain certain data. In still other embodiments, the system may be configured to analyze one or more system log files (Syslog) from a security environment to capture which particular applications an entity may be using in order to discover such applications.

Continuing to Step 2620, the system is configured to scan one or more structured and/or unstructured data repositories based at least in part on the generated catalog to identify one or more attributes of data associated with the one or more individuals. The system may, for example, be configured to utilize information discovered during the initial scan at Step 2610 to identify the one or more attributes of data associated with the one or more individuals.

For example, the catalog generated at Step 2610 may include a name, address, and phone number for a particular individual. The system may be configured, at Step 2620, to scan the one or more structured and/or unstructured data repositories to identify one or more attributes that are associated with one or more of the particular individual's name, address and/or phone number. For example, a particular data repository may store banking information (e.g., a bank account number and routing number for the bank) in association with the particular individual's address. In various embodiments, the system may be configured to identify the banking information as an attribute of data associated with the particular individual. In this way, the system may be configured to identify particular data attributes (e.g., one or more pieces of personal data) stored for a particular individual by identifying the particular data attributes using information other than the individual's name.

Returning to Step 2630, the system is configured to analyze and correlate the one or more attributes and metadata for the scanned one or more structured and/or unstructured data repositories. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to correlate the one or more attributes with metadata for the associated data repositories from which the system identified the one or more attributes. In this way, the system may be configured to store data regarding particular data repositories that store particular data attributes.

In particular embodiments, the system may be configured to cross-reference the data repositories that are discovered to store one or more attributes of personal data associated with the one or more individuals with a database of known data assets. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to analyze the data repositories to determine whether each data repository is part of an existing data model of data assets that collect, store, and/or process personal data. In response to determining that a particular data repository is not associated with an existing data model, the system may be configured to identify the data repository as a new data asset (e.g., via asset discovery), and take one or more actions (e.g., such as any suitable actions described herein) to generate and populate a data model of the newly discovered data asset. This may include, for example: (1) generating a data inventory for the new data asset; (2) populating the data inventory with any known attributes associated with the new data asset; (3) identifying one or more unpopulated (e.g., unknown) attributes of the data asset; and (4) taking any suitable action described herein to populate the unpopulated data attributes.

In particular embodiments, the system my, for example: (1) identify a source of the personal data stored in the data repository that led to the new asset discovery; (2) identify one or more relationships between the newly discovered asset and one or more known assets; and/or (3) etc.

Continuing to Step 2640, the system is configured to use one or more machine learning techniques to categorize one or more data elements from the generated catalog, analyze a flow of the data among the one or more data repositories, and/or classify the one or more data elements based on a confidence score as discussed below.

Continuing to Step 2650, the system, in various embodiments, is configured to receive input from a user confirming or denying a categorization of the one or more data elements, and, in response, modify the confidence score. In various embodiments, the system is configured to iteratively repeat Steps 2640 and 2650. In this way, the system is configured to modify the confidence score in response to a user confirming or denying the accuracy of a categorization of the one or more data elements. For example, in particular embodiments, the system is configured to prompt a user (e.g., a system administrator, privacy officer, etc.) to confirm that a particular data element is, in fact, associated with a particular individual from the catalog. The system may, in various embodiments, be configured to prompt a user to confirm that a data element or attribute discovered during one or more of the scans above were properly categorized at Step 2640.

In particular embodiments, the system is configured to modify the confidence score based at least in part on receiving one or more confirmations that one or more particular data elements or attributes discovered in a particular location during a scan are associated with particular individuals from the catalog. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the system may be configured to increase the confidence score in response to receiving confirmation that particular types of data elements or attributes discovered in a particular storage location are typically confirmed as being associated with particular individuals based on one or more attributes for which the system was scanning.

Exemplary Intelligent Identity Scanning Technical Platforms

FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary technical platform via which the system may perform one or more of the steps described above with respect to the Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600. As shown in the embodiment in this figure, an Intelligent Identity Scanning System 2700 comprises an Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130, such as the Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130 described above with respect to FIG. 1. The Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130 may, for example, comprise a processing engine (e.g., one or more computer processors). In some embodiments, the Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130 may include any suitable cloud hosted processing engine (e.g., one or more cloud-based computer servers). In particular embodiments, the Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130 is hosted in a Microsoft Azure cloud.

In particular embodiments, the Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130 is configured to sit outside one or more firewalls (e.g., such as the firewall 195 shown in FIG. 26). In such embodiments, the Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130 is configured to access One or More Remote Computing Devices 150 through the Firewall 195 (e.g., one or more firewalls) via One or More Networks 115 (e.g., such as any of the One or More Networks 115 described above with respect to FIG. 1).

In particular embodiments, the One or More Remote Computing Devices 150 include one or more computing devices that make up at least a portion of one or more computer networks associated with a particular organization. In particular embodiments, the one or more computer networks associated with the particular organization comprise one or more suitable servers, one or more suitable databases, one or more privileged networks, and/or any other suitable device and/or network segment that may store and/or provide for the storage of personal data. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the one or more computer networks associated with the particular organization may comprise One or More Third Party Servers 160, One or More Databases 140, etc. In particular embodiments, the One or More Remote Computing Devices 150 are configured to access one or more segments of the one or more computer networks associated with the particular organization. In some embodiments, the one or more computer networks associated with the particular organization comprise One or More Privileged Networks 165. In still other embodiments, the one or more computer networks comprise one or more network segments connected via one or more suitable routers, one or more suitable network hubs, one or more suitable network switches, etc.

As shown in FIG. 27, various components that make up one or more parts of the one or more computer networks associated with the particular organization may store personal data (e.g., such as personal data stored on the One or More Third Party Servers 160, the One or More Databases 140, etc.). In various embodiments, the system is configured to perform one or more steps related to the Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130 in order to identify the personal data for the purpose of generating the catalog of individuals described above (e.g., and/or identify one or more data assets within the organization's network that store personal data)

As further shown in FIG. 27, in various embodiments, the One or More Remote Computing Devices 150 may store a software application (e.g., the Intelligent Identity Scanning Module). In such embodiments, the system may be configured to provide the software application for installation on the One or More Remote Computing Devices 150. In particular embodiments, the software application may comprise one or more virtual machines. In particular embodiments, the one or more virtual machines may be configured to perform one or more of the steps described above with respect to the Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600 (e.g., perform the one or more steps locally on the One or More Remote Computing Devices 150).

In various embodiments, the one or more virtual machines may have the following specifications: (1) any suitable number of cores (e.g., 4, 6, 8, etc.); (2) any suitable amount of memory (e.g., 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB etc.); (3) any suitable operating system (e.g., CentOS 7.2); and/or (4) any other suitable specification. In particular embodiments, the one or more virtual machines may, for example, be used for one or more suitable purposes related to the Intelligent Identity Scanning System 2700. These one or more suitable purposes may include, for example, running any of the one or more modules described herein, storing hashed and/or non-hashed information (e.g., personal data, personally identifiable data, catalog of individuals, etc.), storing and running one or more searching and/or scanning engines (e.g., Elasticsearch), etc.

In various embodiments, the Intelligent Identity Scanning System 2700 may be configured to distribute one or more processes that make up part of the Intelligent Identity Scanning Process (e.g., described above with respect to the Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600). The one or more software applications installed on the One or more Remote Computing Devices 150 may, for example, be configured to provide access to the one or more computer networks associated with the particular organization to the Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130. The system may then be configured to receive, from the One or more Remote Computing Devices 150 at the Intelligent Identity Scanning Server 130, via the Firewall 195 and One or More Networks 115, scanned data for analysis.

In particular embodiments, the Intelligent Identity Scanning System 2700 is configured to reduce an impact on a performance of the One or More Remote Computing Devices 150, One or More Third Party Servers 160 and other components that make up one or more segments of the one or more computer networks associated with the particular organization. For example, in particular embodiments, the Intelligent Identity Scanning System 2700 may be configured to utilize one or more suitable bandwidth throttling techniques. In other embodiments, the Intelligent Identity Scanning System 2700 is configured to limit scanning (e.g., any of the one or more scanning steps described above with respect to the Intelligent Identity Scanning Module 2600) and other processing steps (e.g., one or more steps that utilize one or more processing resources) to non-peak times (e.g., during the evening, overnight, on weekends and/or holidays, etc.). In other embodiments, the system is configured to limit performance of such processing steps to backup applications and data storage locations. The system may, for example, use one or more sampling techniques to decrease a number of records required to scan during the personal data discovery process.

FIG. 28 depicts an exemplary asset access methodology that the system may utilize in order to access one or more network devices that may store personal data (e.g., or other personally identifiable information). As may be understood from this figure, the system may be configured to access the one or more network devices using a locally deployed software application (e.g., such as the software application described immediately above). In various embodiments, the software application is configured to route identity scanning traffic through one or more gateways, configure one or more ports to accept one or more identity scanning connections, etc.

As may be understood from this figure, the system may be configured to utilize one or more credential management techniques to access one or more privileged network portions. The system may, in response to identifying particular assets or personally identifiable information via a scan, be configured to retrieve schema details such as, for example, an asset ID, Schema ID, connection string, credential reference URL, etc. In this way, the system may be configured to identify and store a location of any discovered assets or personal data during a scan.

Data Subject Access Request Fulfillment Module

Turning to FIG. 29, in particular embodiments, a Data Subject Access Request

Fulfillment Module 2900 is configured to receive a data subject access request, process the request, and fulfill the request based at least in part on one or more request parameters. In various embodiments, an organization, corporation, etc. may be required to provide information requested by an individual for whom the organization stores personal data within a certain time period (e.g., 30 days). As a particular example, an organization may be required to provide an individual with a listing of, for example: (1) any personal data that the organization is processing for an individual, (2) an explanation of the categories of data being processed and the purpose of such processing; and/or (3) categories of third parties to whom the data may be disclosed.

Various privacy and security policies (e.g., such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation, and other such policies) may provide data subjects (e.g., individuals, organizations, or other entities) with certain rights related to the data subject's personal data that is collected, stored, or otherwise processed by an organization. These rights may include, for example: (1) a right to obtain confirmation of whether a particular organization is processing their personal data; (2) a right to obtain information about the purpose of the processing (e.g., one or more reasons for which the personal data was collected); (3) a right to obtain information about one or more categories of data being processed (e.g., what type of personal data is being collected, stored, etc.); (4) a right to obtain information about one or more categories of recipients with whom their personal data may be shared (e.g., both internally within the organization or externally); (5) a right to obtain information about a time period for which their personal data will be stored (e.g., or one or more criteria used to determine that time period); (6) a right to obtain a copy of any personal data being processed (e.g., a right to receive a copy of their personal data in a commonly used, machine-readable format); (7) a right to request erasure (e.g., the right to be forgotten), rectification (e.g., correction or deletion of inaccurate data), or restriction of processing of their personal data; and (8) any other suitable rights related to the collection, storage, and/or processing of their personal data (e.g., which may be provided by law, policy, industry or organizational practice, etc.).

As may be understood in light of this disclosure, a particular organization may undertake a plurality of different privacy campaigns, processing activities, etc. that involve the collection and storage of personal data. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of different processing activities may collect redundant data (e.g., may collect the same personal data for a particular individual more than once), and may store data and/or redundant data in one or more particular locations (e.g., on one or more different servers, in one or more different databases, etc.). In this way, a particular organization may store personal data in a plurality of different locations which may include one or more known and/or unknown locations. As such, complying with particular privacy and security policies related to personal data (e.g., such as responding to one or more requests by data subjects related to their personal data) may be particularly difficult (e.g., in terms of cost, time, etc.). In particular embodiments, a data subject access request fulfillment system may utilize one or more data model generation and population techniques (e.g., such as any suitable technique described herein) to create a centralized data map with which the system can identify personal data stored, collected, or processed for a particular data subject, a reason for the processing, and any other information related to the processing.

Turning to FIG. 29, when executing the Data Subject Access Request Fulfillment Module 2900, the system begins, at Step 2910, by receiving a data subject access request. In various embodiments, the system receives the request via a suitable web form. In certain embodiments, the request comprises a particular request to perform one or more actions with any personal data stored by a particular organization regarding the requestor. For example, in some embodiments, the request may include a request to view one or more pieces of personal data stored by the system regarding the requestor. In other embodiments, the request may include a request to delete one or more pieces of personal data stored by the system regarding the requestor. In still other embodiments, the request may include a request to update one or more pieces of personal data stored by the system regarding the requestor. In still other embodiments, the request may include a request based on any suitable right afforded to a data subject, such as those discussed above.

Continuing to Step 2920, the system is configured to process the request by identifying and retrieving one or more pieces of personal data associated with the requestor that are being processed by the system. For example, in various embodiments, the system is configured to identify any personal data stored in any database, server, or other data repository associated with a particular organization. In various embodiments, the system is configured to use one or more data models, such as those described above, to identify this personal data and suitable related information (e.g., where the personal data is stored, who has access to the personal data, etc.). In various embodiments, the system is configured to use intelligent identity scanning (e.g., as described above) to identify the requestor's personal data and related information that is to be used to fulfill the request.

In still other embodiments, the system is configured to use one or more machine learning techniques to identify such personal data. For example, the system may identify particular stored personal data based on, for example, a country in which a website that the data subject request was submitted is based, or any other suitable information.

In particular embodiments, the system is configured to scan and/or search one or more existing data models (e.g., one or more current data models) in response to receiving the request in order to identify the one or more pieces of personal data associated with the requestor. The system may, for example, identify, based on one or more data inventories (e.g., one or more inventory attributes) a plurality of storage locations that store personal data associated with the requestor. In other embodiments, the system may be configured to generate a data model or perform one or more scanning techniques in response to receiving the request (e.g., in order to automatically fulfill the request).

Returning to Step 2930, the system is configured to take one or more actions based at least in part on the request. In some embodiments, the system is configured to take one or more actions for which the request was submitted (e.g., display the personal data, delete the personal data, correct the personal data, etc.). In particular embodiments, the system is configured to take the one or more actions substantially automatically. In particular embodiments, in response a data subject submitting a request to delete their personal data from an organization's systems, the system may: (1) automatically determine where the data subject's personal data is stored; and (2) in response to determining the location of the data (which may be on multiple computing systems), automatically facilitate the deletion of the data subject's personal data from the various systems (e.g., by automatically assigning a plurality of tasks to delete data across multiple business systems to effectively delete the data subject's personal data from the systems). In particular embodiments, the step of facilitating the deletion may comprise, for example: (1) overwriting the data in memory; (2) marking the data for overwrite; (2) marking the data as free (e.g., and deleting a directory entry associated with the data); and/or (3) any other suitable technique for deleting the personal data. In particular embodiments, as part of this process, the system uses an appropriate data model (see discussion above) to efficiently determine where all of the data subject's personal data is stored.

Data Subject Access Request User Experience

FIGS. 30-31 depict exemplary screen displays that a user may view when submitting a data subject access request. As shown in FIG. 30, a website 3000 associated with a particular organization may include a user-selectable indicia 3005 for submitting a privacy-related request. A user desiring to make such a request may select the indicia 3005 in order to initiate the data subject access request process.

FIG. 31 depicts an exemplary data subject access request form in both an unfilled and filled out state. As shown in this figure, the system may prompt a user to provide information such as, for example: (1) what type of requestor the user is (e.g., employee, customer, etc.); (2) what the request involves (e.g., requesting info, opting out, deleting data, updating data, etc.); (3) first name; (4) last name; (5) email address; (6) telephone number; (7) home address; and/or (8) one or more details associated with the request.

As discussed in more detail above, a data subject may submit a subject access request, for example, to request a listing of any personal information that a particular organization is currently storing regarding the data subject, to request that the personal data be deleted, to opt out of allowing the organization to process the personal data, etc.

Alternative Embodiment

In particular embodiments, a data modeling or other system described herein may include one or more features in addition to those described. Various such alternative embodiments are described below.

Processing Activity and Data Asset Assessment Risk Flagging

In particular embodiments, the questionnaire template generation system and assessment system described herein may incorporate one or more risk flagging systems. FIGS. 32-35 depict exemplary user interfaces that include risk flagging of particular questions within a processing activity assessment. As may be understood from these figures, a user may select a flag risk indicia to provide input related to a description of risks and mitigation of a risk posed by one or more inventory attributes associated with the question. As shown in these figures, the system may be configured to substantially automatically assign a risk to a particular response to a question in a questionnaire. In various embodiments, the assigned risk is determined based at least in part on the template from which the assessment was generated.

In particular embodiments, the system may utilize the risk level assigned to particular questionnaire responses as part of a risk analysis of a particular processing activity or data asset. Various techniques for assessing the risk of various privacy campaigns are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/256,419, filed Sep. 2, 2016, entitled “Data processing systems and methods for operationalizing privacy compliance and assessing the risk of various respective privacy campaigns,” which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

Conclusion

Although embodiments above are described in reference to various privacy compliance monitoring systems, it should be understood that various aspects of the system described above may be applicable to other privacy-related systems, or to other types of systems, in general.

While this specification contains many specific embodiment details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: identifying a first data asset found in a data network involved in handling a certain data; generating a first data inventory for the first data asset, the first data inventory comprising a first plurality of attributes; identifying a second data asset found in the data network involved in handling the certain data; generating a second data inventory for the second data asset, the second data inventory comprising a second plurality of attributes; modifying a data model for the data network to include the first data inventory and the second data inventory; analyzing, by computing hardware, at least a portion of the first plurality of attributes to identify a data processing activity that utilizes the first data asset for the certain data; analyzing, by the computing hardware, at least a portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify that the data processing activity also utilizes the second data asset for the certain data; populating, by the computing hardware and based on analyzing the portion of the first plurality of attributes, the data model to include a first link to represent a first relationship between the first data asset and the data processing activity, wherein the first link associates the first data inventory with a third data inventory for the data processing activity, the third data inventory comprising a third plurality of attributes; populating, by the computing hardware and based on analyzing the portion of the second plurality of attributes, the data model to include a second link to represent a second relationship between the second data asset and the data processing activity, wherein the second link associates the second data inventory with the third data inventory; generating, by the computing hardware, a graphical user interface that comprises a visual representation of a flow of the certain data based on a data structure of the data model by: configuring a first visual indication of the first data asset, configuring a second visual indication of the second data asset, configuring a third visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the first data asset and the second data asset based on the first link and the second link; and providing, by the computing hardware, the graphical user interface for displaying on a computing device the visual representation of the flow of the certain data.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first relationship comprises the first data asset acting as a storage location for the data processing activity.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second relationship comprises the second data asset acting as a data source for the data processing activity.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: analyzing, by the computing hardware, at least a portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify a second data processing activity that also utilizes the second data asset for the certain data; analyzing, by the computing hardware, at least a portion of a fourth plurality of attributes for a third data asset to identify that the second data processing activity also utilizes the third data asset for the certain data; populating, by the computing hardware and based on analyzing the portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify the second data processing activity, the data model to include a third link to represent a third relationship between the second data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein the third link associates the second data inventory with a fifth data inventory for the second data processing activity, the fifth data inventory comprising a fifth plurality of attributes; and populating, by the computing hardware and based on analyzing the portion of the fourth plurality of attributes, the data model to include a fourth link to represent a fourth relationship between the third data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein: the fourth link associates a fourth data inventory for the third data asset with the fifth data inventory, the fourth data inventory comprises the fourth plurality of attributes, and generating the graphical user interface that comprises the visual representation of the flow of the certain data based on the data structure of the data model further comprises: configuring a fourth visual indication of the third data asset, and configuring a fifth visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the second data asset and the third data asset based on the third link and the fourth link.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first visual indication is configured on the graphical user interface as selectable, and the method further comprises providing, based on a selection of the first visual indication, a second graphical user interface for display on the computing device, the second graphical user interface comprising at least one attribute of the first plurality of attributes.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one attribute comprises a data control implemented for the first data asset.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the third visual indication is configured on the graphical user interface as selectable, and the method further comprises providing, based on a selection of the third visual indication, a second graphical user interface for display on the computing device, the second graphical user interface comprising at least one attribute of the third plurality of attributes.
 8. A system comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions; and a processing device communicatively coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium, wherein, the processing device is configured to execute the instructions and thereby perform operations comprising: analyzing at least a portion of a first plurality of attributes to identify a data processing activity that utilizes a first data asset for a certain data handled in a data network; analyzing at least a portion of a second plurality of attributes to identify that the data processing activity also utilizes a second data asset for the certain data; populating, based on analyzing the portion of the first plurality of attributes, a data model for the data network to include a first link to represent a first relationship between the first data asset and the data processing activity, wherein: the data model comprises: a first data inventory for the first data asset, the first data inventory comprising the first plurality of attributes, a second data inventory for the second data asset, the second data inventory comprising the second plurality of attributes, and a third data inventory for the data processing activity, the third data inventory comprising a third plurality of attributes, and the first link associates the first data inventory with the third data inventory; populating, based on analyzing the portion of the second plurality of attributes, the data model to include a second link to represent a second relationship between the second data asset and the data processing activity, wherein the second link associates the second data inventory with the third data inventory; and generating a graphical user interface that comprises a visual representation of a flow of the certain data based on a data structure of the data model by: configuring a first visual indication of the first data asset, configuring a second visual indication of the second data asset, configuring a third visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the first data asset and the second data asset based on the first link and the second link, wherein the graphical user interface is provided for displaying the visual representation on a computing device.
 9. The system claim 8, wherein the first relationship comprises the first data asset acting as a storage location for the data processing activity.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the second relationship comprises the second data asset acting as a data source for the data processing activity.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise: analyzing at least a portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify a second data processing activity that also utilizes the second data asset for the certain data; analyzing at least a portion of a fourth plurality of attributes for a third data asset to identify that the second data processing activity also utilizes the third data asset for the certain data; populating, based on analyzing the portion of the second plurality of attributes to identify the second data processing activity, the data model to include a third link to represent a third relationship between the second data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein the third link associates the second data inventory with a fifth data inventory for the second data processing activity, the fifth data inventory comprising a fifth plurality of attributes; and populating, based on analyzing the portion of the fourth plurality of attributes, the data model to include a fourth link to represent a fourth relationship between the third data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein: the fourth link associates a fourth data inventory for the third data asset with the fifth data inventory, the fourth data inventory comprises the fourth plurality of attributes, and generating the graphical user interface that comprises the visual representation of the flow of the certain data based on the data structure of the data model involves: configuring a fourth visual indication of the third data asset, and configuring a fifth visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the second data asset and the third data asset based on the third link and the fourth link.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein: the visual representation comprises a geographic map, the first visual indication of the first data asset comprises a first geographic location of the first data asset, and the second visual indication of the second data asset comprises a second geographic location of the second data asset.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein generating the graphical user interface that comprises the visual representation of the flow of the certain data based on the data structure of the data model involves configuring a fourth visual indication of a risk level associated with the flow of the certain data between the first data asset and the second data asset.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the first visual indication is configured on the graphical user interface as selectable, a second graphical user interface is provided for display on the computing device based on a selection of the first visual indication, and the second graphical user interface comprises at least one attribute of the first plurality of attributes.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code that is stored thereon, the program code executable by one or more processing devices for performing operations comprising: analyzing a first attribute to identify a data processing activity that utilizes a first data asset for a certain data handled in a data network; analyzing a second attribute to identify that the data processing activity also utilizes a second data asset for the certain data; populating, based on the first attribute, a data model for the data network to include a first link to represent a first relationship between the first data asset and the data processing activity, wherein: the data model comprises: a first data inventory for the first data asset, a second data inventory for the second data asset, and a third data inventory for the data processing activity, and the first link associates the first data inventory with the third data inventory; populating, based on the second attribute, the data model to include a second link to represent a second relationship between the second data asset and the data processing activity, wherein the second link associates the second data inventory with the third data inventory; and generating a graphical user interface that comprises a visual representation of a flow of the certain data based on a data structure of the data model by: configuring a first visual indication of the first data asset, configuring a second visual indication of the second data asset, configuring a third visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the first data asset and the second data asset based on the first link and the second link, wherein the graphical user interface is provided for displaying the visual representation on a computing device.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first relationship comprises the first data asset acting as a storage location for the data processing activity.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the second relationship comprises the second data asset acting as a data source for the data processing activity.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the operations further comprise: analyzing a third attribute to identify a second data processing activity that also utilizes the second data asset for the certain data; analyzing a fourth attribute to identify that the second data processing activity also utilizes a third data asset for the certain data; populating, based on analyzing the third attribute to identify the second data processing activity, the data model to include a third link to represent a third relationship between the second data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein the third link associates the second data inventory with a fifth data inventory for the second data processing activity; and populating, based on analyzing the fourth attribute, the data model to include a fourth link to represent a fourth relationship between the third data asset and the second data processing activity, wherein: the fourth link associates a fourth data inventory for the third data asset with the fifth data inventory, and generating the graphical user interface that comprises the visual representation of the flow of the certain data based on the data structure of the data model involves: configuring a fourth visual indication of the third data asset, and configuring a fifth visual indication of an exchange of at least a piece of the certain data between the second data asset and the third data asset based on the third link and the fourth link.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein: the visual representation comprises a geographic map, the first visual indication of the first data asset comprises a first geographic location of the first data asset, and the second visual indication of the second data asset comprises a second geographic location of the second data asset.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first visual indication is configured on the graphical user interface as selectable, a second graphical user interface is provided for display on the computing device based on a selection of the first visual indication, and the second graphical user interface comprises at least a portion of the first data inventory. 